Blank for folding to form a spoon or a fork

ABSTRACT

The application provides a blank for forming a handheld tool. The blank includes an elongated sheet that includes a top surface and a bottom surface, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end, and a circumferential edge. The circumferential edge includes a rear edge, a front edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The elongated sheet also includes at least one upward bending line extending, and a second upward bending segment, and a connecting segment. The elongated sheet also includes a first downward bending line and a second downward bending line.

The technical field of the present application generally relates tohandheld tools, in particular to the forming of handheld tools orutensils from a sheet-shaped blank.

Handheld tools or utensils made of sheet-shaped materials are used ingeneral as low-cost alternatives to tools made from bulk materials.

US 20140238987 A1 describes a foldable spoon with a spoon cup sectionand a spoon handle. The spoon handle, including apex folds and valleyfolds, and the spoon cup section are formed from a single sheet offoldable material.

Singapore Registered Designs 30201703913Y and 30201703914W relate to aspoon.

Singapore Registered Designs 30201703916PY and 30201703915R relate to afork.

The object of the present application is to provide an improved user andenvironment friendly form-stable hand-held tool which can be easily andcost-effectively manufactured.

According to a first aspect, a blank for forming a hand-held tool isprovided. The blank has a flat, elongated shape. The blank can have anessentially symmetric shape, in particular with respect to alongitudinal symmetrical axis. In the following, if not specifieddifferently, a symmetry or symmetrical arrangement refers to a symmetryor symmetrical arrangement with respect to the symmetrical axis of theblank.

The blank comprises a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the topsurface, a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, a firstside end, and a second side end. A circumferential cutting edge of theblank comprises a rear edge at the first longitudinal end, a front edgeat the second longitudinal end, a first side edge at the first side endand a second side edge at the second side end.

The blank further comprises at least one essentially continuous upwardbending line extending between the side edges of the blank, with a firstupward bending segment, a second upward bending segment, and aconnecting segment. The upward bending segments extend at an obliqueangle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges of the blank,pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge of theblank and providing a vertex with a blunt and at least partially roundedshape.

“Essentially continuous” means in this context that the lines may alsocomprise continuous sections which are separated by breaks ordiscontinuities.

Due to the arrangement of the upward bending line, three main sectionsof the blank along the longitudinal direction can be distinguished: Ahandle section extending from the rear edge to the endpoints of thestraight segments of the upward bending lines at the side edges, afunctional section extending from the tip of the front edge to thevertex, and an intermediate section between the handle section and thefunctional section.

The shape of the functional section may be customized and maysignificantly vary depending on the specific purpose of the tool and/orintention of the customer.

In particular, the functional section of the blank may have anessentially smooth or rounded contour line for forming spoons orspoon-like tools like scoops, shovels, funnels or similar.

The functional section may also have a tined contour line for formingforks or forklike tools of various geometries.

The functional section may further comprise holes or perforations ofdifferent number and size for forming strainers or filters out of theblank.

The blank further comprises a first downward bending line extendingbetween the rear edge and the first upward bending segment, and a seconddownward bending line extending between the rear edge and the secondupward bending segment, as well as a middle area or middle laneextending between the downward bending lines, the upward bending line,and the rear edge.

The bending lines serve as bending aids which facilitate the bending orfolding of the blank in a predetermined manner, facilitating the foldingof the blank to form a handheld tool with the desired form.

Due to the middle area extending between the downward bending lines, theupward bending line, and the rear edge, an elongated middle lane betweenthe downward bending lines is formed which is free of bending lines.After the tool is formed, the middle lane contributes to the stabilityof the tool since, in the folded state, the middle lane forms or buildsan elongated plateau between the two downwards bent portions of theblank, which serves as a carrying construction and gives a particularstability to the tool.

The blunt and at least partially rounded shape of the vertex serves fordistributing the pressure from the frontal part of the tool over theperimeter of the vertex. This means that the risk of damaging the blankby the compression stress can be reduced. The risk of injuring ofpersons by the sharp edges at the vertex can be reduced as well.

In other embodiments, the first downward bending line extends betweenthe rear edge and the first side edge and the second downward bendingline extends between the rear edge and the second side edge in such away that two wings at the rear edge of the blank are provided.

The corner wings at the rear edge of the blank can be used to form acomfortable handle for the handheld tool.

The downward bending lines may be arranged in such a way that a wideningof the middle area at the connecting segment is provided. In particular,each one of the downward bending lines may comprise an essentiallystraight longitudinal segment and a curved segment, the curved segmentsforming the widening of the middle area or middle lane. The longitudinalarrangement of the straight segments of the downward bending lines inthe region between the rear edge of the blank and the vertex provides aparticularly good protection for this region which can serve as acarrying construction or spine of the tool.

The straight segments of the downward bending lines may extend to therear edge of the blank. Extending the straight segments of the downwardbending lines to the rear edge of the blank facilitates an accuratefolding along the downward folding lines, especially in the region ofthe rear edge.

At the point or points of the rear edge where the straight segments ofthe downward bending lines end, one or more indentations in the rearedge can be provided.

The indentations at the end of the downwards bending lines cansubstantially facilitate the bending of the blank at the rear edge.

At the same time, the widening of the vertex can serve for local stressreduction in the vertex region and thus result in a more stable tool.

The angle between the first upward bending segment and the second upwardbending segment may be chosen in a range of 20° to 66°, morespecifically of 26° to 35°.

By choosing the angle between the upward bending segments in this range,a broad variety of customized useful tools can be formed.

Each one of the downward bending lines may meet the upward bending lineat a respective junction point adjacent to the vertex.

By providing for the junction points between the downward bending linesand the upward bending line in the vicinity of the vertex, the formingof the tool out of the blank can be facilitated by improving thecontrolled foldability in the vertex area.

At the junction points, the angle between the upward bending line andthe respective downward bending line may be essentially perpendicular orlie in the range of 60° to 90°, more specifically of 80° to 90°. Due tochoosing or predefining the angle between the upward bending line andthe respective downward bending line at the junction points, building offolds with sharp angles can be avoided, and the controllable foldabilityof the blank in the vertex region can be improved.

The blunt and at least partially rounded vertex may have an essentiallysmooth shape. In particular, the vertex may have a circular shape or aflat tip with rounded corners. The smooth shape of the vertex cansmoothen the tension distribution in the blank such that local stressmaxima in the vertex region can be reduced.

At least one of the bending lines may be provided by an essentiallycontinuous bending groove formed on at least one surface of the blank.

Depending on the basic material of the blank different techniques forcreating the groove can be applied.

In particular, the groove may be scored or coined in the respectivesurface of the blank. The grooves may also be formed by application ofpressure, cutting, by laser ablation, or similar.

By scoring or coining of the grooves in the blank, the bending linesdesired pattern can be easily provided.

For the downward bending lines, the groove may be provided on the topsurface of the blank.

By providing the groove on the top surface of the blank, the blank canbe weakened along the bending lines in such a way that the blank isparticularly easily bendable or foldable downwards along the bendingline.

For the upward bending line, the groove can be provided on the bottomsurface of the blank.

By providing the groove on the bottom surface of the blank, the blankcan be weakened along the bending lines in such way that the blank isparticularly easily bendable or foldable upwards along the bending line.

The groove for the bending lines may have a rounded or essentiallyrectangular profile with an aspect ratio, i.e. the ratio of its depth tothe width between 1 and 5, more specifically between 2 and 4. The depthof the score may be in the range of 10 to 30 percent of the thickness ofthe blank, depending on the chosen materials.

At least one of the bending lines may be also formed by providing—inparticular, by printing—an additional material layer along thepredefined paths of the bending lines. By providing the additionalmaterial layer, which in general can have mechanical characteristics,which are difference from those of the basic material of the blank, thebendability of the blank can be locally modified in such way that theblank is more easily bendable in one direction than in another directionthus facilitating the bending or folding of the blank.

The profile and the exact dimensions of the groove depends in general onthe chosen material, on the thickness, and on the purpose of the blank.

The blank may comprise compostable and/or recyclable materials, inparticular approved or certified by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), Forest Stewardship Council(FSC), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to name but afew.

In the following, a non-exhaustive list of possible materials isprovided:

-   -   FSC/SFI certified—ASTM D6868 compliant for Compostability and        Recyclable. Such materials (e.g. Cellulose Nanofibre        NCF/Microfibrillated—MFC paper) are durable, water-repellant,        tear-resistant,    -   BPA (Bisphenol A)-free, latex-free, TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber)        and TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer),    -   Premium food grade Silicone (SR/LSR), an elastomer,        characterized by a wide temperature resistance range of −103° F.        to 500° F. It is non-stick, non-toxic, highly tensile, flexible,        and has a low compression set. Further, it is odorless,        tasteless, mould and bacteria-resistant and hydrophobic.

The blank material can also comprise FRP (Fibreglass ReinforcedPlastic), microlattice, Dyneema, Polypropylene (PP), High-DensityPolyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polycarbonate(PC), nano-tubes to name but a few.

In particular, for a paper-based blank, the material can have a materialarea density in the range from 230 g/m2 to 350 g/m2 or from 250 g/m2 to400 g/m2.

For paper-based blank materials, the orientation of the paper grains canbe chosen essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of theblank.

Due to the longitudinal orientation of the paper grains, the robustnessof the tool formed out of the blank can be increased.

At different positions, and in particular in the handle section, i.e.between the rear edge and the endpoints at the side edges of the blank,elevated portions or bumps of essentially round and/or elongated shapescan be provided.

Due to the bumps or elevated portions, the robustness of the tool can beimproved. Furthermore, by providing the bumps or elevated portions inthe handle section of the blank, the grip of the handle of the tool canbe improved, such that the tool can be securely grasped.

The blank may have an essentially tapered shape, such that the width ofthe blank at the rear edge is smaller than the width of the functionalsection. In particular, the side edges can comprise essentially straightsegments being arranged under an oblique angle with respect to thesymmetrical axis in such way that the width of the blank at the rearedge is smaller than the maximum width of the functional section, inparticular between the tip of the front edge and the vertex.

Such a tapered form of the blank results in general in a tool with anarrower handle and a wider functional section. At the same time, thetapered form may be used to save material during the manufacturing ofthe blank. In particular, in the bulk production of the blanks out ofthe same worksheet, cutting the blanks with alternating orientation canlead to substantial material savings in the case of tapered shape of theblank.

In some embodiments, additional bending lines are provided, essentiallyparallel to the bending lines. In particular, additional downwardbending lines can extend in parallel to the symmetrical axis in theregion of the middle lane.

By providing the additional bending lines, the bending may be sharedover the plurality of the downward bending lines in such way that thebending angle at each of the bending line, and thus the stress of theblank, is reduced.

Further, a blank with an essentially flat, elongated shape for foldingto form a handheld tool is provided. The blank comprises two bendableside wings, in particular in a handle section of the blank, a middlelane or middle lane region arranged along a longitudinal symmetricalaxis of the blank, and a bow which partially circumvents one end of themiddle lane. The bow can in particular at least partially comprise afunction section or functional part of the tool which is to be formed.

The side wings and the middle lane are at least partially demarcated bydownward bending lines, and the bow is demarcated from the middle laneand from the side wings by an upward bending line is such way thatbetween the middle lane and the bow, a vertex of the upward bendinglines is formed. A bending of the side wings from the plane of theblank, in particular with respect to the middle lane, then results in atensile stress along the circumference of the bow and in a compressionstress in the vertex region of the bow.

In some embodiments, a middle channel or spine is formed from the middlelane or middle lane region in the course of bending of the side wings ofthe blank.

Due to the tensile stress and the compression stress caused by thebending of the side wings, the plane geometry of the bow isenergetically not favourable, such that a mechanical fluctuation, suchas a manual tilting of the tip of the bow in one or another directionfrom the initial plane can lead to at least partial release of thestress, thus leading to a stable three-dimensional shape of the tool.

In particular, the blank may comprise a rear edge and a tip, and themiddle lane can extend in the region between the rear edge and thevertex, reaching the rear edge and/or the vertex.

The upward bending line may comprise two upward bending segmentsconnecting endpoints at the side edges of the blank with the vertex. Inparticular, the upward bending segments can be formed as essentiallysymmetrically arranged and essentially continuous straight segments.

Due to the straight sections of the upward bending line between theendpoints and the vertex, the stress of the material introduced bybending of the blank for forming the tool can be reduced.

By simultaneously moving the side wings away from the plane of theblank, the endpoints at the side edges are moved or dragged with theside wings. This means that the endpoints leave the plane of the blank,in particular that of the middle lane, and move essentially in a planeperpendicular to the symmetrical axis of the blank, causing adeformation of the bow.

The endpoints can be useful to see whether the side wings are bentcorrectly by checking whether, in the state of the formed tool, theendpoints meet.

The vertex can have a smooth, at least partially rounded or piecewiserounded shape. Due to such a shape of the vertex, local tensions in theblank material as well as the risk of injuring of the user can bereduced.

The middle lane can have a widening at an end proximal to the vertex.

By widening the middle lane at the vertex, the middle lane provides awide support for the vertex to withstand the compression stress from theside of the bow.

In particular, due to the widening of the middle lane at the vertex anddue to the blunt or rounded shape of the vertex, the pressure from thefrontal part of the bow is distributed over the perimeter of the vertexin such way that the risk of damaging the blank by the compressionstress in the vicinity of the vertex is reduced.

The blank, especially the side wings of the blank, may be equipped withmagnets. In particular, stripes of magnetic material can be laminated onor embedded in the side wings of blank.

The magnets in the side wings can keep the side wings together or in afolded state even if the tool is not actually in use and hence nobending force is applied by the user.

According to another aspect, a process for manufacturing a blank forforming a handheld tool is provided. This process comprises providing aflat sheet of workpiece of worksheet.

For the worksheet, any material can be used which is suitable for themanufacturing process according to the aspect, and which is inparticular suitable for usage according to any purpose of the tool whichis to be formed out of the blank.

The worksheet can in particular be paper-based, silicone-based,metal-based, or similar.

In particular, the worksheet can comprise compostable and/or recyclableFDA-approved food-safe materials, including but not limited to paper,especially with an area density in the range from 230 g/m2 to 350 g/m2.

The process further comprises providing bending aids in the form ofdownward bending lines and in the form of at least one upward bendingline at predefined positions of the workpiece of the workpiece, as wellas cutting the workpiece according to a predefined pattern in such waythat a blank of essentially symmetric elongated shape is cut out. Byfolding of the blank which along the upward bending line and along thedownward bending lines a handheld tool of predetermined shape is formed.

For cutting out of the blank out of the workpiece, a die-cuttingprocesses may be used. The die-cutting process is especially suitablefor cutting many pieces of the same shape by using die-cutting tools.

The bending lines may be formed by providing surface grooves by scoringor coining of the worksheet. For cutting out the blank and/or forproviding of the grooves, laser cutting may be used. By using the lasercutting, the cutting pattern can be easily adjusted or modified.

Coining the grooves is especially suitable for mass production of blankswith fixed design.

By cutting out blanks with alternating orientation from the sameworksheet a substantial amount of the worksheet material can be saved inthe case of blanks with tapered shape.

The workpiece may comprise paper with a grain-orientation which isessentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blanks.

Due to the longitudinal orientation of the paper grains, robustness ofthe tool formed out of the blank can be improved.

The process may further comprise formation of elevated portions in theblank. The elevated portions or bumps can serve for additionalrobustness of the handheld tool and can also improve the grip forgrasping and holding by the user. The bumps can be coined or blindembossed in the blank. Thus, the bumps can be easily formed.

The process may further comprise providing a reinforcement in the formof one or more reinforcement layers of the blank. In particular, thereinforcement layer can comprise silicon, metal or plastic provided atcritical areas of the blank which are exposed to the stress duringforming or usage of the tool.

The reinforcement may comprise an embedded layer, i.e. a material layerwhich is embedded in the worksheet material. The reinforcement layer maycomprise a moulded, in particular an extrusion-moulded, silicone layer.

The reinforcement may comprise one or more embossed structures, similarto those of the bumps formed in the blank.

The process may further comprise providing colour marking of the blank.In particular, the colour marking can be used for marking the foldinglines as well as the functional sections for ease of usage.

The process may be carried out as a batch process in which two or moreblanks are produced out of one workpiece.

By using a batch or bulk process, the time and material needed formanufacturing the blank can be reduced.

In particular, in a batch process the blanks may be produced from theworkpiece in such an arrangement that the blanks are parallel to eachother while adjacent blanks are oriented in opposite directions.

Due to such arrangement, in the case of blanks with tapered shape, moreblanks can be accommodated side by side on the same area of theworkpiece.

According to another aspect, a handheld tool is provided which is formedby folding the blank according to the first aspect.

The particular shape and dimensions may vary depending on the specificdesign and purpose of the tool, as well as on the chosen materials.

In particular, dependent on the specific design of the blank, differentkinds of spoons may be formed, like teaspoons, coffee spoons, dessertspoons, salad spoons, tasting spoons, soup spoons, big spoons to namebut a few. Similarly, a vast variety of kitchen utensils or fork-liketools can be formed by designing the blank accordingly.

By changing the bending direction of the functional part, “reversedspoons” may be formed which can be used as a funnel or utensil forsoft-foods such as yogurt, sorbet, soya bean curd to name but a few.Such reversed tools are also characterized by robustness andform-stability, since an energetically favourable stable configurationcan also be achieved when the front portion of the functional section isbent in the same direction with respect to the plane of the middle laneas the side wings.

A blank for forming a handheld tool is described below. In other words,the blank can be folded to form a desired handheld tool. One example ofthe handheld tool is a cup. In a general sense, the cup can also referto a bowl, a container, or a scoop.

The blank includes a flat and elongated sheet.

The flat and elongated sheet comprises two opposing major surfaces,namely a top surface with a bottom surface.

The sheet also includes a first longitudinal end and a secondlongitudinal end as well as a first side end and a second side end. Thefirst longitudinal end is located opposite to the second longitudinalend. The first side end is located opposite to the second side end.

The sheet also comprises a circumferential edge. The circumferentialedge comprises a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end,a front edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first sideedge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge beingprovided at the second side end.

Furthermore, the flat and elongated sheet includes a partialstadium-shaped portion.

Referring to the partial stadium-shaped portion, it comprises a circularupward bending line, a first straight downward bending line, and asecond straight downward bending line.

A first end of the circular upward bending line is placed next to afirst end of the first straight downward bending line while a second endof the circular upward bending line is placed next to a first end of thesecond straight downward bending line. A second end of the firststraight downward bending line is placed next to a second end of thesecond straight downward bending line.

Functionally, this arrangement of the circular upward bending line, thefirst straight downward bending line, and the second downward straightbending line allow the partial stadium-shaped portion to bend forforming a container portion of a cup of the handheld tool.

The container portion has a cone portion. The circular bending lineprovides the cone portion with a blunt vertex. In the other words, theblunt vertex acts to increase durability of the container and it doesnot cut a user of the container portion of the handheld tool.

The flat and elongated sheet often include a rectangular portion.

The rectangular portion comprises at least one longitudinal downwardbending line, at least one lateral upward bending line with at least onecorresponding lateral downward bending line.

In detail, the longitudinal downward bending line, the lateral upwardbending line, and the lateral downward bending line are often straight.

The longitudinal downward bending line extends or stretches from therear edge towards the direction of the front edge.

The lateral upward bending line extends from the longitudinal downwardbending line to the first side edge while the lateral downward bendingline extends from the longitudinal downward bending line to the secondside edge. The lateral upward bending line is also aligned to thecorresponding lateral downward bending line.

Functionally, the longitudinal downward bending line, the lateral upwardbending line, and the lateral downward bending line are arrangement suchthat they allow the rectangular portion to bend, wherein the rectangularportion bends to form a handle portion of the handheld tool.

The upward bending line often includes a scored line that is provided onthe bottom surface of the blank. The scored line refers to a narrowhollow channel, to a bending groove, or to a narrow elongated depressedarea for facilitating bending or folding of the blank to form a desiredhandheld tool. The depth and the width of the scored line are oftenadapted according to material, to thickness, and to purpose of theblank.

Similarly, the downward bending line can include a scored line that isprovided on the top surface.

The rectangular portion can include one or more pairs of flap part diecut lines. These cut lines allow parts of the blank to bend. In use, theparts are bent such that these parts act as flap parts to support a sidepart of the container portion.

In one implementation, the rectangular portion further comprising justone pair of cut lines.

In another implementation, the rectangular portion includes two pairs ofcut lines.

The straight longitudinal downward bending line can include one straightlongitudinal downward bending line segment. This is often provided for ablank that is thin.

The straight longitudinal downward bending line can also include twostraight longitudinal downward bending line segments, which are providedclose to each other. This is often provided for a blank that is thick.The dual bending line segments allow the thick blank to bend easily.

The straight lateral upward bending line can include just one straightlateral upward bending line segment while the straight lateral downwardbending line include just one corresponding straight lateral downwardbending line segment. These two line-segments allow the blank to bendfor forming the handle portion of the handheld tool.

Alternatively, the straight lateral upward bending line can include twostraight lateral upward bending line segments while the straight lateraldownward bending line include two corresponding straight lateraldownward bending line segments.

In one implementation, the two-straight lateral upward bending linesegments are provided close to each other while the two-correspondingstraight lateral downward bending line segments are also provided closeto each other. This arrangement is often provided for a thick blank,wherein these line segments allow the thick blank to bend easily.

In another implementation, the two-straight lateral upward bending linesegments are provided far from each other while the two-correspondingstraight lateral downward bending line segments are also provided farfrom each other. This arrangement allows an elongated part of the blankto bend at two parts of the blank for forming the handle portion of theblank.

The blank can include an indentation that is provided at an intersectionbetween the straight lateral upward bending line and the correspondingstraight lateral downward bending line. The indentation acts to containmaterial thickness of the blank. When the blank is bent, the bent areaoften enlarges, especially in corners. This enlarging can deter thebending of the blank. The indentation serves to receive the enlargedarea to allow for easier bending of the blank.

The indentation often has a trapezoid shape which is effective forreceiving the above described enlarged area of the blank.

The blank often includes a first straight upward bending line segmentand a second straight upward bending line segment.

The first straight upward bending line segment extends from the circularupward bending line to the first side edge. Similarly, the secondstraight upward bending line segment extends from the circular upwardbending line towards the direction of the second side edge.

The first straight upward bending line segment and the second straightupward bending line segment allow easier bending of the partialstadium-shaped portion for forming the container portion of the handheldtool.

The blank can include silicon material or a food-grade paper material,although other materials are also possible.

A handheld tool that is formed by folding the above described blank isdescribed below.

According to one aspect of the application, a moulded blank for forminga handheld tool, namely a spoon or spade, is provided. The moulded blankincludes two generally flat portions which are separated by apredetermined distance.

The moulded blank is shaped or formed by a process using pressure. Theprocess can include a heating and/or drying step. An example of theprocess is pulp-moulding.

In detail, the moulded blank includes an elongated sheet.

The elongated sheet includes a top surface and a bottom surface beingprovided opposite the top surface. The sheet also includes a firstlongitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided oppositethe first longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end beingprovided opposite the first side end.

The elongated sheet also includes a circumferential edge that comprisesa rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edgebeing provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge beingprovided at the first side end, and a second side edge being provided atthe second side end.

The elongated sheet also includes a bending cum connecting stripextending between the two opposing side edges of the blank. The bendingcum connecting strip is intended for bending. In other words, thebending cum connecting strip is bendable. The bending cum connectingstrip is not yet bent before the blank is folded to form the handheldtool.

The bending cum connecting strip including a first strip segment, asecond strip segment, and a connecting strip segment. One end of theconnecting strip segment is connected to one end of the first stripsegment while another end of the connecting strip segment is connectedto one end of the second strip segment.

The first strip segment and the second strip segment extend at anoblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges of theblank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge ofthe blank. The connecting strip segment serving as a blunt vertex, whichhas at least partially rounded shape.

The elongated sheet also includes a first downward bending lineextending between the rear edge and the first strip segment and a seconddownward bending line extending between the rear edge and the secondstrip segment.

The bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclose a firstgenerally flat portion while the bending cum connecting strip and therear edge enclose a second generally flat portion.

The first flat portion is provided in a first plane, while the secondgenerally flat portion is provided in a second plane. The second planeis separated from the first plane by a predetermined distance.

This separation allows for easier folding of the blank to form a tool.The separation allows the user to bend the bank for forming a spoon inone movement by just pressing the sides of the bank toward each other.

The bending lines are often provided on one side of the blank. Thesebending lines can then be produced using a single mould in a singlestep. Only one mould with protrusions for producing the bending lines isneeded. This is different from other methods that uses two moulds andtakes two or more steps to produce the bending lines. This processresults in saving cost and in providing accurate placement of thesebending lines since the bending lines are produced using the same mould.

According to another aspect of the application a further moulded blankfor forming a handheld tool, namely a spoon or spade, is provided. Themoulded blank includes two generally flat portions. One flat portion isbent to serve as a container portion and the other flat portion is bentto serve as a handle portion of a spoon.

In detail, the moulded blank includes an elongated sheet.

The elongated sheet includes a top surface and a bottom surface beingprovided opposite the top surface. The sheet also includes a firstlongitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided oppositethe first longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end beingprovided opposite the first side end.

The elongated sheet also includes a circumferential edge that comprisesa rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edgebeing provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge beingprovided at the first side end, and a second side edge being provided atthe second side end.

The elongated sheet also includes a bending cum connecting stripextending between the two opposing side edges of the blank. The bendingcum connecting strip including a first strip segment, a second stripsegment, and a connecting strip segment.

The first strip segment and the second strip segment extend at anoblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges of theblank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge ofthe blank. The connecting strip segment serving as a blunt vertex, whichhas at least partially rounded shape.

The elongated sheet also includes a first downward bending lineextending between the rear edge and the first strip segment and a seconddownward bending line extending between the rear edge and the secondstrip segment.

The bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclose a firstgenerally flat portion while the bending cum connecting strip and therear edge enclose a second generally flat portion.

The first flat portion is bent to serve as a container portion and thesecond flat portion is bent to serve as a handle portion of a spoon.

The container portion can be used for mixing and serving food. Thecontainer portion can also be used for scooping and holding food orliquid. The handle portion is used by the user to hold the spoon.

The shape of the moulded blank allows for easier folding of the blank toform a tool. The shape allows the user to bend the bank for forming aspoon in one movement by just pressing the sides of the bank toward eachother.

The blank can include one or more other features described above.

A spoon blank with a pair of spoon rest grooves and handle locking slitsis described below.

The application provides a first spoon blank for folding to form aspoon.

In a general sense, the spoon can also refer to a ladle, to a shovel,and to a spade.

The blank includes an elongated sheet. The sheet is often generally flatbefore it is folded to form the spoon.

The elongated sheet includes a top surface and a bottom surface beingprovided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end with asecond longitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinalend, and a first side end with a second side end being provided oppositethe first side end.

The sheet also includes a circumferential edge. The circumferential edgeincludes a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, afront edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first sideedge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge beingprovided at the second side end.

The elongated sheet also comprises a bending cum connecting stripextending between the side edges of the blank. The bending cumconnecting strip includes a first strip segment, a second strip segment,and a connecting strip segment.

The first strip segment and the second strip segment extend at anoblique angle inwardly from respective endpoints at the side edges ofthe blank, and they point along a longitudinal direction towards thefront edge of the blank.

The connecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, the connectingstrip segment being connected to the first strip segment and the secondstrip segment.

The elongated sheet also includes a first downward bending line thatextends between the rear edge and the first strip segment and a seconddownward bending line that extends between the rear edge and the secondstrip segment.

In a general sense, these downward bending lines can be replaced byupward bending lines.

The blank can be bent easily in the downward direction along thedownward bending line. Put differently, parts of the blank that areconnected to the downward bending line can be bent downward easily.Similarly, the blank can be bent easily in the upward direction alongthe upward bending line.

The bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclose a firstgenerally flat portion while the bending cum connecting strip and therear edge enclose a second generally flat portion.

The first flat portion is provided for bending to form a containerportion of the spoon while the second flat portion is provided forbending to form a handle portion of the spoon.

The elongated sheet includes a pair of spoon rest grooves being and atleast one pair of handle locking slits.

One spoon rest groove is provided on the first side edge while anotherspoon rest groove is provided on the second side edge of the elongatedsheet. When the blank is folded to form a spoon, a user can place thespoon on a rim of bowl or cup, wherein the spoon rest grooves aresupported by the rim.

The spoon rest grooves are useful that is it allows the spoon to besupported when it is not in use, thereby keeping the spoon clean.

One handle locking slit of a pair is provided on the first side edgewhile another handle locking slit of the pair is provided on the secondside edge of the elongated sheet. When the blank is folded to form thespoon, the user can then interlock the respective handle locking slitswith each other. The interlocking fixes the respective parts of blank toeach other, wherein these parts then form a handler portion of thespoon.

The handle locking slits are also useful in providing a firm handleportion.

In one aspect of the application, the first and the second downwardbending lines are placed on one side of the blank. This allows thesebending lines to be produced with one mould in a one single step. Thisthen serves to reduce cost and to increase precision or accuratepositioning of the bending lines.

A spoon blank with a rounded neck portion handle locking slits isdescribed.

The application provides a second spoon blank for folding to form aspoon.

The second spoon blank and the first spoon blank have similar parts.

The blank includes an elongated sheet. The sheet can be flat before itis folded to form the spoon.

The elongated sheet includes a rounded neck portion and at least onepair of handle locking slits.

The rounded neck portion is provided between a container portion and ahandle portion of the sheet. The rounded neck portion allows for easybending of the blank to form the spoon.

One handle locking slit of a pair is provided on the first side edgewhile another handle locking slit of the pair is provided on the secondside edge of the elongated sheet. When the blank is folded to form thespoon, the user can then interlock the respective handle locking slitswith each other. The interlocking fixes the respective parts of blank toeach other, wherein these parts then form a handler portion of thespoon. The handle locking slits are useful in providing a firm handleportion.

A finger spoon blank with spoon rest grooves and a pair of handlelocking slits, and a finger handle portion is described below.

The application provides a third spoon blank for folding to form afinger spoon.

The third spoon blank and the first spoon blank have similar parts. Theblank includes an elongated sheet, which is often flat.

The sheet includes a handle portion that is adapted to receive a userfinger. When the blank is folded to form a spoon, the handle portion isalso folded, wherein it contains a hollow inner part. The hollow innerpart is configured for receiving a user finger. The hollow inner partencloses closely around the finger allow the finger to move the spoon.

The elongated sheet also includes one or more pairs of handle lockingslits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

The elongated sheet can also include a pair of spoon rest grooves beingprovided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

A spoon blank with perforated bending lines/bending line segments isdescribed below.

The application provides a fourth spoon blank for folding to form aspoon.

The fourth spoon blank and the first spoon blank have similar parts. Theblank includes an elongated sheet. The sheet often flat before it isfolded to form the spoon.

The sheet includes a first downward (or upward) bending line and asecond downward (or upward) bending line. The first downward bendingline and the second downward bending line each includes a plurality ofperforations. Each perforation refers to an opening or to athrough/blind hole.

The perforations allow for easy bending parts of blank around therespective bending line. This is useful, especially when the blank isthick. The blank can be thick to provide a firm spoon.

The first strip segment and the second strip segment of the blank canalso include a plurality of perforations.

The elongated sheet can also include a pair of spoon rest grooves beingprovided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

The elongated sheet can also include one or more pairs of handle lockingslits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

A fork blank with fork rest grooves and handling locking slits isdescribed below.

The application provides a first fork blank for folding to form a fork.

The elongated sheet includes a top surface and a bottom surface beingprovided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end with asecond longitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinalend, and a first side end with a second side end being provided oppositethe first side end.

The sheet also includes a circumferential edge. The circumferential edgeincludes a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, afront edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first sideedge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge beingprovided at the second side end.

The elongated sheet also comprises a bending cum connecting stripextending between the side edges of the blank. The bending cumconnecting strip includes a first strip segment, a second strip segment,and a connecting strip segment.

The first strip segment and the second strip segment extend at anoblique angle inwardly from respective endpoints at the side edges ofthe blank, and they point along a longitudinal direction towards thefront edge of the blank.

The connecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, the connectingstrip segment being connected to the first strip segment and the secondstrip segment.

The elongated sheet also includes a first downward (or upward) bendingline that extends between the rear edge and the first strip segment anda second downward (or upward) bending line that extends between the rearedge and the second strip segment.

The bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclose a firstgenerally flat portion while the bending cum connecting strip and therear edge enclose a second generally flat portion.

The first flat portion is provided for bending to form a prong portionof the fork while the second flat portion is provided for bending toform a handle portion of the fork.

The front edge comprises one or more slots for defining prongs of thefork.

The elongated sheet also includes a pair of fork rest grooves beingprovided on the first side edge and the second side edge. When the blankis folded to form a fork, a user can place the fork on a rim of bowl orcup, wherein the fork rest grooves are supported by the rim.

The fork rest grooves are useful that is it allows the fork to besupported when it is not in use, thereby keeping the fork clean.

The elongated sheet also includes one or more pair of handle lockingslits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

A fork blank with a rounded neck portion and with handling locking slitsis described below.

The application provides a second fork blank for folding to form a fork.

The second fork blank and the first fork blank have similar parts.

The blank includes an elongated sheet. The elongated sheet comprises arounded neck portion provided between a container portion and a handleportion. The elongated sheet also includes one or more pairs of handlelocking slits being provided on the first side edge and the second sideedge.

A finger fork blank with fork rest grooves, a pair of handle lockingslits, and a finger handle portion is described below.

The application provides a third fork blank for folding to form a fork.

The third fork blank and the first fork blank have similar parts. Theblank includes an elongated sheet.

The sheet includes a handle portion that is adapted to receive a userfinger. When the blank is folded to form a fork, the handle portion isalso folded, wherein it contains a hollow inner part. The hollow innerpart is configured for receiving a user finger. The hollow inner partencloses closely around the finger allow the finger to move the fork.

The elongated sheet also includes at least one pair of handle lockingslits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge ofthe elongated sheet.

The elongated sheet can also include a pair of fork rest grooves beingprovided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

A fork blank with perforated bending lines/bending line segments isdescribed below.

The application provides a fourth fork blank for folding to form a fork.

The fourth fork blank and the first fork blank have similar parts. Theblank includes an elongated sheet.

The elongated sheet includes a first downward (or upward) bending lineand a second downward (or upward) bending line. The first downwardbending line and the second downward bending line each includes aplurality of perforations.

The perforations allow for easy bending parts of blank around therespective bending line. This is useful, especially when the blank isthick. The blank can be thick to provide a firm spoon.

The first strip segment and the second strip segment of the blank canalso include a plurality of perforations.

The elongated sheet can also include a pair of spoon rest grooves beingprovided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

The elongated sheet can also include one or more pairs of handle lockingslits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

The downward bending lines can be provided by a bending groove on atleast one surface of the blank.

Similarly, the bending cum connecting strip can be provided by a bendinggroove on at least one surface of the blank.

The first bending line and the second bending line are often provided onthe same side of the blank. This allows these bending lines to beproduced using one mould in one step, resulting in lower cost and inplacement of these bending lines on the blank.

A container with a cover that is provided with a finger spoon/fork blankis described below.

The application provides a container. The contain includes a cover thatcomprises at least one part being provided as one of the above-mentionedblank.

In one aspect of the application, the blank is attached to the cover.

A box, with a part of a surface of the box is provided with a spoon/forkblank is described below.

The application provides a box that comprises an external surface. Atleast one part of the surface is provided as the above-mentionedspoon/fork blank.

The subject matter of the application is described in greater detail inthe accompanying Figures, in which

FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to an embodiment,

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 1, which istaken along a line AA of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment,

FIG. 4 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to a further embodiment,

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 4, which istaken along a line BB of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment,

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 6, which istaken along a line CC of FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to further embodiment,

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 8, which istaken along a line DD of FIG. 8,

FIG. 10 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment,

FIG. 11 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment,

FIG. 12 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to a further embodiment,

FIG. 13 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment,

FIG. 14 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to a further embodiment,

FIG. 15 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment,

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 15, which istaken along a line EE of FIG. 15,

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a blank, which is a variant ofthe blank of FIG. 15,

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of another blank, which is anothervariant of the blank of FIG. 15,

FIG. 19 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to a further embodiment,

FIG. 20 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment,

FIG. 21 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment,

FIG. 22 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form ahandheld tool according to a further embodiment,

FIG. 23 shows schematically a possible panel arrangement for producing ablank according an embodiment,

FIGS. 24 to 37 show different embodiments of the blank in its initialand in its folded state from different views,

FIG. 38 shows a schematic top view of a thin blank that is flat, theblank is a variant of the blank of FIG. 1, and the blank being intendedfor folding to form a cup with a handle,

FIG. 39 shows a front view of a cup with a handle, the cup is formed byfolding the thin bank of FIG. 38,

FIG. 40 shows a first perspective view of the cup of FIG. 39,

FIG. 41 shows a side view of the cup of FIG. 39,

FIG. 42 shows a second perspective view of the cup of FIG. 39,

FIG. 43 shows parts of the thin blank of FIG. 38,

FIG. 44 shows a side view of the thin blank of FIG. 38,

FIG. 45 shows a perspective view of the thin blank of FIG. 38, which isfolded along a longitudinal-scored line to form the cup of FIGS. 39 to42,

FIG. 46 shows a front view of the thin blank of FIG. 38,

FIG. 47 shows the thin blank of FIGS. 45 and 46, which is further foldedto form the cup of FIGS. 39 to 42,

FIG. 48 shows a schematic top view of a thick blank that is flat, theblank is a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38, and the blank beingintended for folding to form a cup with a handle,

FIG. 49 shows a front view of a cup with a handle, the cup is formed byfolding the thick blank of FIG. 48,

FIG. 50 shows a first perspective view of the cup of FIG. 49,

FIG. 51 shows a side view of the cup of FIG. 49,

FIG. 52 shows a second perspective view of the cup of FIG. 49,

FIG. 53 shows parts of the thick blank of FIG. 48,

FIG. 54 shows a side view of the thick blank of FIG. 48,

FIG. 55 shows a perspective view of the thick blank of FIG. 48, which isfolded along a longitudinal-scored line to form, the cup of FIGS. 49 to52,

FIG. 56 shows a front view of the thick blank of FIG. 55,

FIG. 57 shows the thick blank of FIGS. 55 and 56, which is furtherfolded to form the cup of FIGS. 49 to 52,

FIG. 58 shows a schematic top view of a thin blank that is flat, theblank is a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38, and the blank isintended for folding to form a cup with a stand,

FIG. 59 shows a front view of a cup with a stand, the cup is formed byfolding the blank of FIG. 58,

FIG. 60 shows a side view of the cup of FIG. 59,

FIG. 61 shows a front perspective view of the cup of FIG. 59,

FIG. 62 shows a second perspective view of the cup of FIG. 59,

FIG. 63 shows parts of the blank of FIG. 58,

FIG. 64 shows a side view of the blank of FIG. 58,

FIG. 65 shows a perspective view of the thin blank of FIG. 58, which isfolded along a longitudinal-scored line to form the cup of FIGS. 59 to62,

FIG. 66 shows a front view of the thin blank of FIG. 65,

FIG. 67 shows the thin blank of FIGS. 65 and 66, which is further foldedfor forming the cup of FIGS. 59 to 62,

FIG. 68 shows a schematic top view of a thin blank that is flat, theblank is a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38, and the blank isintended for folding to form a cup without a handle,

FIG. 69 shows a front view of a cup that is formed by folding the thinblank of FIG. 68,

FIG. 70 shows a perspective view of the cup of FIG. 69,

FIG. 71 shows a first side view of the cup of FIG. 69,

FIG. 72 shows a second side view of the cup of FIG. 69,

FIG. 73 shows a back view of the cup of FIG. 69,

FIG. 74 shows the second side view of the cup of FIG. 69,

FIG. 75 shows parts of the thin blank of FIG. 68,

FIG. 76 shows a side view of the thin blank of FIG. 68,

FIG. 77 shows a front view of the thin blank of FIG. 68, which is foldedalong a longitudinal-scored line for forming the cup of FIGS. 69 to 74,

FIG. 78 shows a back view of the thin blank of FIG. 77,

FIG. 79 shows the thin blank of FIGS. 77 and 78, which is being furtherfolded to form the cup,

FIG. 80 shows a blank that is a variant of the blank of FIG. 68,

FIG. 81 shows a schematic top view of a further thin blank, which is avariant of the blank of FIG. 58,

FIG. 82 shows a front view of a cup with a stand, the blank of

FIG. 81 being folded to form the cup,

FIG. 83 shows a side view of the cup of FIG. 82,

FIG. 84 shows a front perspective view of the cup of FIG. 82,

FIG. 85 shows a second perspective view of the cup of FIG. 82,

FIG. 86 shows a perspective view of the thin blank of FIG. 81, which isfolded along a longitudinal-scored line to form the cup of FIGS. 82 to85,

FIG. 87 shows a front view of the thin blank of FIG. 86,

FIG. 88 shows the thin blank of FIGS. 86 and 87, which is further foldedfor forming the cup of FIGS. 82 to 85,

FIG. 89 shows a top view of a blank with a predetermined shape, theblank being a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38,

FIG. 90 shows a front view of the blank of FIG. 89,

FIG. 91 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 89 taken alongline A′-A′ of FIG. 89,

FIG. 92 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 89 taken alongline B′-B′ of FIG. 89,

FIG. 93 shows a top view of a blank with another predetermined shape,the blank being a variant of the blank of FIG. 89,

FIG. 94 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 93 taken alongline C-C of FIG. 93,

FIG. 95 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the blank ofFIG. 93 taken along line C-C of FIG. 89,

FIG. 96 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the blankof FIG. 93 taken along line C-C of FIG. 93,

FIGS. 97 to 127 show a plurality of spoon blanks, wherein each blank isintended for folding to form a spoon,

FIGS. 97 to 109 show a first plurality of spoon blanks, each blankincludes a pair of spoon rest grooves, and handle locking slits,

FIG. 97 shows a schematic top view of a spoon blank that is flat, theblank is a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38,

FIG. 98 shows an exploded view of parts of the blank of FIG. 97,

FIG. 99 shows steps of folding the blank of FIG. 97,

FIGS. 100, 101, 102, 103, and 104 shows different views of the blank ofFIG. 97, which is folded to form a spoon,

FIGS. 105 to 109 show a plurality of spoon blanks, which are variants ofthe blank of FIG. 97,

FIGS. 110 to 122 show a second plurality of spoon blanks, each blankincludes a rounded neck portion and handle locking slits,

FIG. 110 shows a further spoon blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 97,

FIGS. 111 to 122 show a plurality of spoon blanks, which are variants ofthe blank of FIG. 110,

FIGS. 123 to 127 show a third plurality of spoon blanks, each blankincludes a pair of spoon rest grooves, and handle locking slits,

FIGS. 123 to 127 also show blanks, which are variants of the blank ofFIG. 97,

FIGS. 128 to 154 show a plurality of fork blanks, wherein each blank isintended for folding to form a fork,

FIGS. 128 to 138 show a first plurality of fork blanks, each blankincludes a pair of fork rest grooves, and handle locking slits,

FIG. 128 shows a schematic top view of a fork blank, the blank is avariant of the blank of FIG. 97,

FIG. 129 shows a fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.105,

FIG. 130 shows steps of folding the blank of FIG. 129,

FIGS. 131 to 135 show different views of the blank of FIG. 129, which isfolded to form a fork,

FIG. 136 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 106,

FIG. 137 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 107,

FIG. 138 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 109,

FIGS. 139 to 150 show a second plurality of fork blanks, each blankincludes a rounded neck portion and handle locking slits,

FIG. 139 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 110,

FIG. 140 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 111,

FIG. 141 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 112,

FIG. 142 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 113,

FIG. 143 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 114,

FIG. 144 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 115,

FIG. 145 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 116,

FIG. 146 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 118,

FIG. 147 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 119,

FIG. 148 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 120,

FIG. 149 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 121,

FIG. 150 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 122,

FIGS. 151 to 154 show a third plurality of fork blanks, each blankincludes a pair of fork rest grooves, and handle locking slits,

FIG. 151 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 123,

FIG. 152 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 125,

FIG. 153 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 126,

FIG. 154 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 127,

FIGS. 155 to 167 show different handle locking slits mechanisms for theblanks of FIGS. 97 to 154,

FIGS. 168 to 172 show a plurality of boxes, each box includes at leasttwo of the blanks of FIGS. 97 to 154,

FIG. 168 shows a box that includes a sidewall, which includes aplurality of fork blanks of FIG. 142,

FIG. 169 shows another box that include a first flap and a second flap,wherein the first flap includes a spoon blank of FIG. 97 and the secondflap includes a fork blank of FIG. 111,

FIG. 170 shows a further box with a cover that includes a spoon blank ofFIG. 105 and a fork blank of FIG. 129,

FIG. 171 shows another box with a front surface that includes aplurality of spoon blanks of FIG. 123, that box being placed in an openstate,

FIG. 172 shows the box of FIG. 171 being placed in a closed state,

FIGS. 173 to 183 show a plurality of finger spoon blanks, wherein eachblank is intended for folding to form a finger spoon, and wherein eachblank includes a pair of spoon rest grooves, a pair of handle lockingslits, and a finger handle portion that is adapted for receiving a userfinger,

FIG. 173 shows a schematic top view of a finger spoon blank that is avariant of the blank of FIG. 109,

FIG. 174 shows steps of folding a further finger spoon blank, which is avariant of the blank of FIG. 173,

FIGS. 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, and 180 shows different views of theblank of FIG. 174, which is folded to form a finger spoon,

FIGS. 181 to 183 show a plurality of finger spoon blanks, which arevariants of the blank of FIG. 173,

FIGS. 184 to 195 show a plurality of finger fork blanks, wherein eachblank is intended for folding to form a finger fork, wherein each blankincludes a pair of fork rest grooves, a pair of handle locking slits,and a finger handle portion that is adapted for receiving a user finger,

FIG. 184 shows a schematic top view of a finger fork blank that is avariant of the blank of FIG. 138,

FIG. 185 shows steps of folding the finger fork blank of FIG. 184,

FIGS. 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, and 191 shows different views of theblank of FIG. 184, which is folded to form a finger fork,

FIG. 192 shows the finger fork blank of the FIG. 184 when in use,

FIGS. 193 to 195 show a plurality of finger fork blanks, which arevariants of the blank of FIG. 184,

FIGS. 196 to 205 show a plurality of containers, each container includesat least one of the blanks of FIGS. 173 to 195,

FIG. 196 shows a container with a cover that includes a finger forkblank of FIG. 194,

FIG. 197 shows the cover of the container of FIG. 196,

FIG. 198 shows a container with a cover that includes a finger spoonblank of FIG. 182,

FIG. 199 shows the cover of the container of FIG. 198,

FIG. 200 shows a container with a cover that includes a finger forkblank of FIG. 184,

FIG. 201 shows the cover of the container of FIG. 200,

FIG. 202 shows a container with a cover that includes a finger spoonblank of FIG. 181,

FIG. 203 shows the cover of the container of FIG. 202,

FIG. 204 shows a container with a cover that includes a finger spoonblank and a finger fork blank, the finger spoon blank is variant of theblank of FIG. 173, the finger fork blank is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 184,

FIG. 205 shows the cover of the container of FIG. 204,

FIGS. 206 to 209 show a plurality of spoon blanks, each blank includes apair of spoon rest grooves, and handle locking slits, as well asstraight bending lines and/or bending line segments, wherein sections ofthe bending lines and/or the bending line segments are perforated,

FIG. 206 shows a spoon blank that is flat and is a variant of the blankof FIG. 97, and

FIGS. 207 to 209 show a spoon blank that is flat and is a variant of theblank of FIG. 109.

In the following description, details are provided to describeembodiments of the application. It shall be apparent to one skilled inthe art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without suchdetails.

Some parts of the embodiments have similar parts. The similar parts mayhave the same names or similar part numbers with an alphabet symbol orprime symbol. The description of one part applies by reference toanother similar part, where appropriate, thereby reducing repetition oftext without limiting the disclosure.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a blank 1, which is intended for folding to form ahandheld tool according to an embodiment.

The blank 1 is intended for folding to form a handheld tool and it has aflat, elongated, and essentially symmetric shape, its symmetrical axis Abeing indicated as a dash-dotted line in the figure.

The blank 1 comprises a top surface 2, a bottom surface 3 opposite tothe top surface 2, a first side edge 4, a second side edge 4′ oppositeto the first side edge 4, a front edge 5, and a rear edge 6.

The blank 1 essentially comprises three sections—a handle section 7, afunctional section 8, as well as an intermediate section 9 whichconnects the handle section 7 with the functional section 8.

The blank 1 also comprises a bending aid in the form of downward bendinglines 10, 10′ and an upward bending line 11 for facilitating bending orfolding of the blank 1 in a predefined manner for forming the handheldtool with the desired form.

The upward bending line 11 which is shown as a dashed line has a shapeof a smooth continuous line extending between two opposite edges 4, 4′of the blank and comprising two essentially straight upward bendingsegments 12, 12′. Each one of the straight upward bending segmentsextends from a respective side edge 4, 4′ at the handle section 7 of theblank 1 over the intermediate section 9 towards the functional section 8under an oblique angle with respect to the symmetrical axis A of theblank 1 such that the both upward bending segments 12, 12′ are connectedover a middle or connecting segment 13 forming a blunt vertex at thefunctional segment 8 of the blank 1.

Depending on the specific embodiment, the shape of the vertex 13 may bedifferent. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the vertex has an essentiallycircular shape with a curvature radius of approximately 5 mm.

The downward bending lines 10 comprise two symmetrically arranged smoothcontinuous lines which are shown as solid lines, each comprising astraight segment 14, 14′, extending from the rear edge 6 of the blank 1towards the vertex 13, and a curved portion 15, each one of the curvedportion 15 of the downward bending lines 10 ending at a respectivejunction point 16 at the upward bending line 11 in the vicinity of thevertex 13.

The straight segments 14, 14′ of the downward bending line 10 areextending longitudinally on both sides and close to the symmetrical axisA, such that a stripe extending from the rear edge 6 to the vertex 13 isformed.

In this embodiment, the straight portions 15 are parallel to each otherand to the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1. Thus, the central stripeor middle channel has an essentially constant width over its wholelength, except in the vertex region, in which the middle channel widensdue to the curved portions 15 of the downward bending lines 10.

At the junction points 16, the upward bending line 11 lie essentiallyperpendicular to the downward bending line 10.

In some embodiments, the angle between the upward bending line 11 andthe downward bending line 10 at the junction point 16 is between 60° and90°, more specifically between 80° and 90°.

The upward bending segments 12, 12′ of the upward bending line 11 formor build an angle of approximately 26°.

The length of the tool is approximately 130 mm while its width is about40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and thefunctional section have lengths of approximately 40 mm, 63 mm, and 27mm, respectively.

Depending on the purpose and on the design of the tool, the anglebetween the upward bending segments 12, 12′ of the upward bending line11 may vary, in particular, from approximately 20° up to approximately66°.

The vertex 13 of the upward bending line 11 and the curved portions 15of the downward bending line 10 show a circular curvature withapproximately the same curvature radius as the vertex 13. The curvatureradius in this embodiment is approximately 5 mm.

In the handle section 7 of the blank 1, elevated portions or bumps 17 ofessentially round shape are provided.

At the ends of the straight segments 14, 14′ of the downward bendingline 10, indentations 18 are provided in the rear edge 6 of the blank 1.The rear edge 6 is essentially straight and has rounded corners 19. Theradius of curvature of the rounded corners is approximately 2 mm.

The side edges 4 of the blank 1 are straight and slightly inclined withrespect to the symmetrical axis A of the blank in such a way that thewidth of the blank 1 at the rear edge 6 is smaller than the width of thefunctional section 8 of the blank 1.

In this embodiment, the front edge 5 has a circular shape with a curvediameter equal to the width of the functional section 8.

The depth of the indentations 18 in the rear edge are approximately 2mm.

The length of the blank 1 is approximately 130 mm and the maximum widthis 40 mm.

In the handle section 7 adjacent to the intermediate section 9 elongatedtransversal structures 20 are provided.

In this embodiment, the transversal structures 20 are provided in ashape of elongated bumps lying perpendicular to the symmetrical axis Aof the blank 1.

The bending lines 10, 10′, 11 are formed as bending grooves scored in asurface of the blank.

In the case of the downward bending line 10, 10′, the bending groove isprovided on the top surface 2 of the blank 1.

In the case of the upward bending line 11, the bending groove isprovided on the bottom surface 3 of the blank 1.

Depending on the specific embodiment, the bumps and/or the bending aidsmay be provided with colour marks in order to facilitate the recognitionof the handle section and/or the bending aids.

In the present embodiment, the blank 1 is a blank for a disposable spoonmade from paper which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA). The area density of the paper is approximately 300 toapproximately 400 g/m².

As a basic material of the blank various materials may be used, such aspaper, cardboard, metal, silicone, or any other suitable material.

In particular, the blank may comprise compostable and/or recyclableFDA-approved food-safe materials, including but not limited to paper,especially with an area density in the range from about 200 g/m² toabout 350 g/m² and to paper an area density in the range from about 350g/m² to about 500 g/m²

The depth and the width of the bending scores depends in general on thematerial, thickness, and the purpose of the blank.

The blank 1 can be easily shaped into a handheld tool by manuallybending it along the bending lines 10 and 11.

In particular, due to the bending scores provided on different surfacesof the blank 1 along the bending lines 10, 10′ and 11, it isparticularly easy to bend the blank 1 downwards along the downwardbending lines 10 and upwards along the upward bending line 11.

The bending lines 10, 10′ and 11 demarcate four separate areas of theblank 1, including two side wings 30 arranged symmetrically with respectto the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1, a middle lane 31 correspondingto the central channel along the symmetrical axis A, and a bow 32 whichincludes the functional section 8 and extends over the intermediatesection 9 and partially circumvents the vertex 13. The side wings 30extend from the rear edge 6 of the blank 1 over the handle section 7 andthe intermediate section 9 to the vertex 13. At the side edges 4 of theblank, the side wings 30 and the bow meet at respective endpoints 21,21′ which are endpoints of the upward bending line 11.

The downward bending lines 10 demarcate the border between the sidewings 30 and the middle lane 31.

In order to shape the blank 1 into a handheld tool, the side wings 30 ofthe blank 1 are bent downwards (away from the viewer) with respect tothe middle lane 31. The downward movement of the side wings 30 isindicated by downward movement arrow symbols 33.

At the same time, by bending or folding the side wings 30 downwards withrespect to the middle lane 31, an elevated plateau along the middle lane31 is formed, which lies between two brinks resulting from the foldingof the blank 1 along the downward folding lines 10.

Due to the form-stability of the middle lane 31, in the beginning of thebending process, the longitudinal dimensions of the blank remainessentially the same and the endpoints 21, 21′ move essentiallyperpendicular to the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1 or to the middlelane 31. This means that along the circumference of the bow 32 a tensilestress or tension is building up, which extends along the front edge 5and the side edge to the respective endpoint 21, 21′. The tensile stressalong the circumference of the bow 32 is shown as bended arrows 40.

Simultaneously, with the bending of the side wings 30 downwards, theendpoints 21, 21′ at the side edges 4 are also moved or dragged down.This means that the endpoints 21, 21′ leave the plane of the drawing orthe plane of the middle lane 31 and move down, travelling essentially ina plane perpendicular to the symmetrical axis A of the blank, resultingin a deformation of the bow 32.

In fact, due to the dragging down of the endpoints 21, 21′ by the wings30, the bow 32 ceases to be a plane or essentially two-dimensionalobject and it becomes a three-dimensional object instead.

With the formation of side brinks along the upward bending line 11, themiddle lane 31 provides a form-stable carrier construction of the tool.If the tool is provided as a spoon, in use, the middle lane 31 togetherwith the side brinks acts to prevent cutting of mouth or lips of theuser.

By continuing the downward bending of the wings 30, the tensile stressalong the circumference of the bow 32 grows, pulling the tip 22 of theblank 1 towards the vertex 13 against the middle lane 31, resulting inan essentially axial compression force (indicated by a wide arrow 41) inthe region of the vertex 13.

With the widening of the middle lane 31 at the vertex 13 and due to thetapered shape of the vertex 13, the compression force from the frontalpart of the bow 32 is distributed over the width of the vertex 13 insuch way that the compression stress at the perimeter of the vertex 13is reduced.

With the reduction of the compression stress at the vertex 13 damage tothe vertex 13 or vertex region can be avoided.

With the tensile stress and the central compression stress caused by thebending of the side wings 30, the planar geometry of the frontal part,in which the frontal part or the tip 22 remains in the plane of themiddle lane 31, becomes energetically unstable.

By manually tilting the tip 22 of the functional section 8 upwards, thefrontal part of the bow 32 can flip upwards and can take a stableposition, in which the circumferential tension along the tension lines40 is minimized. The upward movement of the front part of the bow 32 isshown by an upward movement arrow symbol 34.

After flipping upwards, the frontal part of the bow 32, and accordinglythe functional section 8, takes a stable position.

In particular, by flipping upwards, the frontal part of the bow 32, thefunctional section 8 obtains a cup shape, the vertex 13 being thedeepest point of the cup, and the blank 1 becomes a form-stable toolwhich in this embodiment is a small spoon.

As long as the side wings are kept bent down, especially by holding thetool in the hand, any deviation from this final shape would beenergetically unfavourable, since it would increase the tensile stressalong the circumvention of the bow 32.

Thus, by folding the side wings 30 downwards with respect to the middlelane 31, a form-stable handheld tool is formed. The bumps 17 and thetransversal structures 20 can serve as grip structures or grippers foreasier handling of the tool by the user.

The blank of FIG. 1 can be easily manufactured. Firstly, a flatworksheet or workpiece comprising paper, cardboard, plastic, metal orany suitable material is provided.

The bending lines may be scored or coined in the blank sheet of theblank material at predefined positions in correspondence with thespecific embodiment of the blank.

The bumps 17 and the transversal structures 20 may be embossed orcoined, by pressing the worksheet between two complementary tools ofappropriate shape. In some embodiments, the bumps and/or the transversalstructures are blind-embossed in the worksheet.

The blank 1 is cut out of the worksheet, in particular by means ofdie-cutting.

The formation of the bending lines 10, 11, bumps 17, transversalstructures 20, and/or die cutting can be performed on a bigger area of aworksheet in such way that more than one blank out of a single panel isproduced. Such a batch or bulk production can save time and costs in themanufacturing process.

A rolling machine, in particular a die-cutting roller, may be used forcarrying out at least one of the previously mentioned operations.

In some embodiments, one or more reinforcement layers are provided, inparticular of the middle lane 31.

The reinforcement may be formed as an additional material layer providedalong the middle lane. The additional material layer may comprise metal,thermoplastic or thermoset material. It may be laminated, especiallyglued, onto the on the top surface 2 or on the bottom surface 3 of theblank 1. In some embodiments, reinforcement is embedded in the blank 1.

The reinforcement may comprise fibres embedded in the blank material orapplied on one of the surfaces of the blank material.

In a special embodiment, the blank 1 of FIG. 1 include a bending line ora die cut line such that the unfolded or flat blank 1 can act as abookmark. Advertisement or useful information can also be printed on theblank 1, thereby allowing a user of the blank 1 to have quick and easyaccess to such data.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1 a for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment.

The blank 1 a of FIG. 3, in its structural and functional parts,essentially corresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

One difference to the embodiment of FIG. 1 lies in the specific shape ofthe blank 1 a, in particular in the shape of the vertex 13 and of thetip 22. Further, different to FIG. 1, the straight segments 14 of thedownward bending lines 10 are not parallel but meet at a singleindentation 18 at the rear edge 6 of the blank 1 a.

Due to the arrangement of the downward bending lines 10, the middle lane31 narrows towards the rear edge 6 turning essentially into a singleline at the rear edge 6.

The vertex 13 has a flat tip and rounded corners. The junction points 16between the downward bending lines 10 and the upward bending line 11 lieslightly apart from the rounded corners of the vertex on the straightsegments 12 of the upward bending line 11. The angle between thestraight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11 is approximately 22degrees.

The blank 1 a also comprises the transversal structure 20 and the bumps17. The bumps 17 in this embodiment are elongated and transversallyoriented.

The bumps 17 and the transversal structures 20 are coloured in order todesignate the handle section for ease of use.

The particular shape of the blank 1 a is attributable to the particularshape of the handheld tool which is to be formed out of the blank 1 a.The tool formed out of the blank 1 a of FIG. 3 is supposed to have abroad flat tip making it suitable for such tasks as scooping orshovelling.

The broad flat shape of the vertex allows for forming a cup that isshallow and broad. The broad flat shape may also be helpful to reducethe compression stress at the vertex and also to obtain the desiredthree-dimensional shape of the functional section of the tool.

The narrowing of the middle lane 31 towards the rear edge 6 may beuseful for saving material during mass production of the tool. Inparticular, due to the tapered shape of the blank 1 a, more blanks 1 acan be accommodated side by side on the same area by placing them inalternating orientation, and hence more blanks can be produced out of asingle workpiece.

The weakening of the plateau or central carrying construction by thenarrowing of the main lane 31 at the rear edge does not significantlydeteriorate the overall stability of the tool, since the main tensionsare distributed over the intermediate section 9 and the functionalsection 8, with a maximum of compression stress in the region of thevertex 13.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a blank 1 b. The blank 1 b is intended for folding toform a handheld tool according to a further embodiment.

In contrast to the previous embodiments, the blank 1 b of FIG. 3 has twoadditional downward folding lines 10 a and 10 a′ in the form of straightlines parallel to the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1 b. Each of theadditional folding lines 10 a and 10 a′ extend from a respectivejunction point 16 at the vertex 13 to a respective indentation 18 at therear edge 6 of the blank 1 b.

The additional folding lines 10 a and 10 a′ act to provide a strongermiddle lane 31.

The vertex 13 is slightly narrower as compared to the embodiment ofFIG. 1. The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bendingline 11 is approximately 31.50 degrees.

In the handle section 7 of the blank 1 b, similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 3, a plurality of elongated transversal bumps 17 are provided withcolour marking.

Different from the previous embodiments, the functional section 8 has arounded, slightly elongated or elliptical shape, essentially defined fora specific purpose or intended use of the tool. In the present case, thetool to be formed is a spoon which, due to the sharper shape of the tip22 and the additional downward folding lines 10 and 10′ is suitable forhandling harder materials, for example hard ice cream or similar.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a blank 1 c. In use, the blank 1 c folds to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment.

The blank 1 c of FIG. 6, in its structural and functional parts,essentially corresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

Different to FIG. 1, the blank 1 c has a specifically shaped functionalsection 8 which has an elongated slightly elliptic shape. The reason forthis specific shape is that the tool which is to be formed out of thisblank 1 c is a specific type of spoon, similar to a traditional Chinesespoon.

The handle section 7 is narrow as compared to the widest part of theblank 1 c. The widest part of the blank 1 c is in the intermediatesection 9, closer to the functional section 8.

The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11is approximately 30.5 degrees.

The length of the tool is approximately 130 mm, the width at the widestpart and at the rear edge 6 are approximately 40 mm and 35 mmrespectively. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and thefunctional section have lengths of approximately 40 mm, 60 mm, and 30 mmrespectively.

The middle lane 31 has an additional reinforcement 50 shown as a blackstripe in the area of the middle lane 31.

The reinforcement 50 is formed by embossing. In a general sense, thereinforcement 50 can also be formed by debossing.

A characteristic feature of the traditional Chinese spoon, besides itstypical shape and proportions, is the shallowness of the spoon, or moreprecisely of the cup of the spoon. The shallowness of the cup has interalia an advantage of allowing for rapid cooling of the content of thespoon whilst the spoon is in use.

Different from traditional Chinese spoons, the cup of the spoon made outthe blank 1 c of FIG. 6 does not have a flat bottom. Instead the deepestportion of the cup is defined by the vertex 13.

The narrowness of the handle section results in a smaller tensile stressalong the circumference of the bow 8 and accordingly in a smallerdeformation of the bow from the initial plane geometry. Thus, a shallowform of the cup can be easily achieved.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a blank 1 d. The blank 1 d is used for folding toform a handheld tool according to further embodiment. This embodimentcorresponds essentially to the embodiment of FIG. 6 and represents ablank 1 d for forming a bigger Chinese spoon. In particular, thefunctional section 8 and the intermediate section 9 are wider than inthe embodiment of FIG. 6.

The angle between the straight segments 12 and 12′ of the upward bendingline 11 is approximately 34.50 degrees.

The length of the tool is approximately 130 mm, the width at the widestpart and at the rear edge 6 is approximately 50 mm and 35 mm,respectively. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and thefunctional section have lengths of approximately 40 mm, 60 mm, and 30mm, respectively.

The middle lane 31 has an additional reinforcement 50 in the form of areinforcement layer provided along the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1d.

For a blank 1 d that comprises paper, the reinforcement 50 can beprovided using blind embossing, which can provide a strong middle lane31.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1 e for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment.

The blank 1 e of FIG. 10 corresponds essentially to the embodiment ofFIG. 1, differing mainly in the front portion of the functional section8. In particular, the contour line of the front edge 5 shows tworecesses 51 arranged axially symmetrically with respect to thesymmetrical axis A of the blank 1 e in such a way that three teeth inthe functional section 8 are formed. The tip 22 of the bow 32 is at thesame time the tip of the middle tooth of tine.

After forming the tool from the blank 1 e, these teeth can serve as forktines and the tool itself can be used as a fork.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1 f for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment.

The blank 1 f of FIG. 11 corresponds essentially to the embodiment ofFIG. 3, differing mainly in the shape of the front portion of thefunctional section 8 of the blank 1 f. In particular, the contour lineof the front edge 5 shows two recesses 51 arranged symmetrically withrespect to the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1 f in such a way thatthree teeth in the functional section 8 are formed. The tip 22 of thebow 32 is at the same time the tip of the middle tooth of tine. Similarto the embodiment of FIG. 3, the tip 22 is flat and accordingly themiddle tooth of the functional section 8 is flat as well.

Forming a handheld tool out of the blank 1 f shown in FIG. 11 results ina tool with broad teeth, which can be used as both as a fork and as aspoon, and could be used for instance for eating cake, ice cream,spaghetti, or similar.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1 g for folding to form ahandheld tool according to a further embodiment.

The blank 1 g of FIG. 12 corresponds essentially to the embodiment ofFIG. 4, differing mainly in the shape of the front portion of thefunctional section 8 of the blank 1 g. In particular, similar toprevious two embodiments, the contour line of the front edge 5 shows tworecesses 51 arranged symmetrically with respect to the symmetrical axisA of the blank 1 g in such a way that three teeth in the functionalsection 8 are formed. The tip 22 of the bow 32 is at the same time thetip of the middle tooth of tine. In contrast to the previous twoembodiments, the three teeth are not blunted. Consequently, forming ahandheld tool out of the blank 1 g shown in FIG. 12 results in a forkwith sharp teeth. In particular, due to the sharp teeth and due to thereinforcement structure in the middle lane, the fork can be used forhandling relatively hard matter, like flower soil, or harder meal, likehard ice cream, or similar.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1 h for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment.

In the functional section 8 of the blank 1 h, three teeth similar to theteeth of the embodiment of FIG. 10 are formed.

Characteristic for the embodiment of FIG. 13 is a broader middle lane 31and a flat vertex 13, especially as compared with the embodiment of FIG.10. Further, the angle between the straight segments 12 of the upwardbending line 11 is approximately 35.25 degrees. This is relatively wideangle, resulting in a shorter intermediate section 9 and a longer handlesection 7. Besides, the middle lane 31 is provided with a reinforcement50 which is indicated by the solid black colour of the middle lane 31.

Forming a tool out of the blank 1 h of FIG. 13 results in a fork ofspecific geometry which can be used for handling particularly hardmatter. Indeed, the reinforcement 50 of the middle lane 31 and thelonger handle section 7 allows for the application of particularly largeforce on the tool without causing damage to the tool.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1 i for folding to form ahandheld tool according to a further embodiment.

This embodiment corresponds essentially to the embodiment of FIG. 6showing a blank 1 i for forming a spoon similar to a Chinese spoon. Inthe front part of the functional section 8, however, the blank 1 i ofFIG. 14 has two recesses 51 forming three teeth. Thus, by folding theblank 1 i, a tool can be formed which essentially resembles a Chinesespoon, but which can be used as a fork.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a blank 1 j, which is intended for folding to forma handheld tool according to another embodiment.

Different to the previous embodiments, in addition to the side wings 30extending over the handle section 7 and over the intermediate section 9on both sides of the symmetrical axis A, the blank 1 j shown in FIG. 15comprises two corner wings 60 or corner wings at two handle sectioncorners adjacent to the rear edge 6 of the blank 1 j. The handle wings60 are demarcated from respective side wings 30 by two handle bendinglines 61. The handle bending lines 61 extend from the rear edge 6 of theblank 1 j to the respective endpoint 21, 21′ at the respective side edge4, 4′ of the blank 1 j. The handle bending lines 61 facilitate bendingof the handle wings 60, in particular, bending down from the figureplane away from the viewer, as indicated by the downward movementsymbols 33.

The basic material of the blank 1 j of FIG. 15 is silicone. Withsilicone as its basic material, the blank 1 j can be formed into adurable silicone-based tool, such as a reliable silicone-based kitchenutensil.

As seen in FIG. 16, the blank 1 j also comprises a middle lane 31 with areinforcement in the form of an embedded metal sheet 31 a which is shownas a dark portion of blank 1 j along the symmetrical axis A. Thisextends along the symmetrical axis A from the vertex 13 towards the rearedge 6 and terminates in the handle section 7 before reaching the rearedge 6. In use, the metal sheet 31 a enables the middle lane 31 to bestiff and stable. In other words, the middle lane 31 can bear moreweight or stress.

Due to this configuration of the middle lane 31 and the handle wings 60,a portion of the handle section between the handle wings 60 at the rearedge 6 can remain unfolded after the tool is formed. Thus, a comfortablehandle with a kind of “volume-effect” can be shaped.

Further, the embodiment of FIG. 15 comprises a reinforcement in thehandle section 7, in particular in the handle wings 60. This is shown asdark triangles in the handle wings 60. In this embodiment, thereinforcement of the handle wings comprises extrusion moulded silicone.In some embodiments, the reinforcement may comprise one or more metallayers embedded in the blank 1 j in the region of the middle lane 31 andin the handle wings 60.

In other embodiments, the reinforcement may comprise surface layerslaminated on the blank 1 j, particularly at locations which are exposedto increased strain, like the middle lane 31, especially in the vicinityof the vertex 13 or the handle section, which is grasped by the userwhile using the tool.

The front edge 5 is straight such that the tip 22 of the front portionis essentially flat.

The length of the tool is approximately 160 mm, and the widthapproximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9,and the functional section have lengths of approximately 50 mm, 80 mm,and 40, respectively.

The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11is approximately 25.90 degrees.

The dimensions, especially the length of the intermediate section 9 andthe functional section 8, as well as the angle between the straightsegments 12 of the upward bending lines 11 may vary significantlydepending on the purpose of the tool.

The length of the tool is approximately 160 mm, and the widthapproximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9,and the functional section have respective lengths of approximately 50mm, 80 mm, and 30 mm. The width of the middle lane 31 is approximately 4mm.

The blank 1 j also comprises grip structures or grippers. The grippersin this embodiment are provided in the form of elongated structures orstripes of protruded silicone.

In some embodiments, the grippers with coloured patterns are provided inthe handle section 7. The colour pattern and the geometry of thegrippers may vary, depending on the specific design of tool.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a variant of the blank of FIG.15. FIG. 17 show a blank 1 ja that comprises silicone material. Theblank 1 ja includes a middle lane 31, which comprises an enlarged bodyfor reinforcing the middle lane 31.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of another variant of the blank ofFIG. 15. FIG. 18 shows a blank 1 jb. The blank 1 jb includes a middlelane 31, which comprises a metal sheet 31 b that is attached to an outersurface of a body of the middle lane 31 for reinforcing the middle lane31.

FIG. 19 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1 k for folding to form ahandheld tool according to a further embodiment. The blank 1 k shown inFIG. 19 corresponds in its essential features to the embodiment of FIG.15, and shows some differences as well, especially in the design of thehandle section 7 and of the functional section. The bumps 17 in thehandle section 7 are round or dot-shaped.

The front edge 5 has a circular shape such the tip 22 of the frontportion or the function section 8 is essentially round.

The length of the tool is approximately 110 mm, and the widthapproximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9,and the functional section have lengths of approximately 50 mm, 30 mm,and 30 mm, respectively. The width of the middle lane 31 isapproximately 2 mm.

The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11is approximately 66.00 degrees.

Due to its dimensions and shape, the blank 1 k in the folded stateresults in a tool which is specifically suitable for using as a smallscoop for ice-cream or rice, or as a ladle by bending the segment 8 inthe other direction.

In some embodiments, the blank 1 k comprises magnetized metal plates forease of use.

FIG. 20 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1 l for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment.

The embodiment of FIG. 20 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 19 by thelengthwise orientation of the bumps in the handle section 7 as well asin the dimensions.

The length of the tool is approximately 140 mm, and the widthapproximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9,and the functional section have lengths of approximately 50 mm, 60 mm,and 30 mm, respectively. The width of the middle lane 31 isapproximately 4 mm.

The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11is approximately 34.10 degrees.

Such dimensions and shape of the blank 1 l make the blank 1 l suitablefor forming a tool which can be used as a ladle, scoop, spatula, funnel,spade or shovel.

FIG. 21 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1 m for folding to form ahandheld tool according to another embodiment.

This embodiment corresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 20 and differsmainly in the shape of the functional section 8. In particular, the tip22 of the functional section 8 is flat such that the blank 1 m hasessentially the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners.

A tool formed out of such a blank 1 m is particularly suitable for usageas a spatula, scraper, funnel, spade or shovel.

FIG. 22 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1 n for folding to form ahandheld tool according to a further embodiment.

The blank 1 n of FIG. 22 corresponds essentially to the embodiment ofFIG. 19 and differs mainly in the shape of the functional section 8 andin the proportions. In particular, the functional section 8 is longerand the tip 22 of the functional section 8 has a rounded elliptic shape.In the functional section 8, a plurality of holes 70 are provided. Oneof the holes is provided at the tip of the vertex 13.

The middle lane 31 with a reinforcement extends along the symmetricalaxis A of the blank 1 n over the intermediate section 9 and the handlesection 7 without reaching the vertex 13 and the rear edge 6.

The length of the tool is approximately 140 mm, and the widthapproximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9,and the functional section have lengths of approximately 50 mm, 50 mm,and 40 mm, respectively. The width of the middle lane 31 isapproximately 2 mm.

The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11is approximately 41 degrees.

The hole 70 at the vertex can serve for stress release and canfacilitate the forming of the tool.

The particular shape and the holes 70 make the blank 1 n particularlysuitable for forming tools which can be used as a strainer, scoop orsimilar.

The plurality of holes 70 can be die-cut in the blank 1 n. The holes areessentially round and have a diameter of approximately 1.5 mm.

The diameter of the holes can be varied, in particular in the range from1 mm up to 3 mm, depending on the purpose of the tool.

In an embodiment, no holes in the functional section 8 and at the vertex13 are provided. In the embodiment without holes, the middle lane andthe reinforcement of the middle lane 31 can be extended to the vertex13. Tools shaped out of such embodiments can be used for example as aspatula, scoop or ladle.

FIG. 23 shows schematically a possible panel arrangement for producing ablank according an embodiment.

In the upper part of FIG. 23, a row of blanks according to theembodiment of FIG. 3 is shown. The blanks in the upper row are arrangedin alternating orientation. In particular, every second blank isoriented with its functional part up and with its handle part down.

In the lower part of FIG. 23 a row of rectangular blanks with the samelateral dimensions as the upper blanks is shown.

As can be seen from FIG. 23, due to the tapered shape of the blanks inthe upper row, more blanks can be placed on the same area.

Thus, the tapered shape of blanks, along with the design's technicalimportance discussed above, has an advantage from the manufacturingpoint of view. In particular, in the bulk production of the blanksworksheet material and production costs can be saved by alternating theorientation of adjacent blanks in the worksheet. Thus, due to thetapered shape of the blank, a saving of more than 10% in worksheetmaterial in the bulk production can easily be achieved.

In this example, a material saving of 11.25% has been achieved.

Even in bulk production with smaller panels, i.e. in the case of smallerworkpieces, the alternating orientation of the blanks can still lead toconsiderable savings.

In some embodiments of the manufacturing process, two blanks areproduced and die-cut out of a single workpiece or worksheet. Due to thetapered shape of the blank, up to approximately 6% of material savingscan be achieved, depending on the specific design of the blank.

FIGS. 24 to 37 show different embodiments of the blank in its initialand in its folded state from different views.

In the central upper part of FIGS. 24 to 33 a top view of a blankaccording to a respective embodiment in an unfolded or initial state isshown.

On the left-hand side of the upper row a top view of the respective toolis shown. On the right-hand side of the upper row a bottom view of thetool is shown.

In the lower part of the FIGS. 24 to 37, perspective views of the formedtools under different view angles are shown.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 24 to 33 correspond to the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 1 to 14 above.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 34 to 37 correspond essentially to theembodiments shown in FIGS. 15 to 22 but also include some importantmodifications.

In particular, different to the embodiment of FIGS. 11 to 15, theembodiments of FIGS. 27 to 30 comprise a reinforcement. In a casewherein the embodiment is produced using paper, the reinforcement can beprovided using blind emboss. In a case wherein the embodiment isproduced using silicon material, the reinforcement can be provided usingextrusion-moulded silicone. This area with the reinforcement is shown inthe figures as a dark in particular triangular area extending from thevertex to the handle section.

In some embodiments, an extrusion-moulded rubber is used, as areinforcement.

Further, in the embodiments of FIGS. 34 to 37 a middle lane in the formof a stripe extending along the symmetrical axis A is missing. Instead,a middle lane or middle channel is created together with the folding ofthe side wings. Similar to the middle lane, the middle channel or tubehas the same supporting effect and contributes to the robustness of thetool.

It is also worth mentioning that the tools formed out of the blanksaccording the embodiments can be in general easily modified ortransformed by changing the bending direction of the functional part ofthe blank. In particular, an energetically favourable stableconfiguration can also be achieved when the front portion of thefunctional section is bent in the same direction with respect to theplane of the middle lane as the side wings.

FIGS. 38 to 47 illustrate a blank that is a variant of the blank of FIG.1.

FIG. 38 shows a thin blank 81 for folding to form a desired cup with ahandle.

In a general sense, the cup can also refer to a bowl, a container, or ascoop.

The thin blank 81 includes an elongated sheet 83 with a plurality ofscored lines 85 and with a plurality of bumps 87. The scored lines 85and the bumps 87 are located on surfaces of the sheet 83.

Each scored line 85 includes a narrow hollow channel, a bending groove,or a narrow elongated depressed area for facilitating bending or foldingof the blank 81 to form a desired cup. The depth and the width of thescored line are adapted according to material, to thickness, and topurpose of the blank 81.

The elongated sheet 83 is essentially flat and is symmetrical about itslongitudinal axis. The sheet 83 has a top surface 83T with a bottomsurface 83B being provided opposite to the top surface 83T, as shown inFIG. 44. The sheet 83 also has a first side edge 83S1 with a second sideedge 83S2 being provided opposite to the first side edge 83S1, and afront edge 83F with a rear edge 83R being provided opposite to the frontedge 83F, as illustrated in FIG. 38.

The scored line 85 can be placed on the top surface 83T of the blank 83.Such top surface scored line is also called a downward bending line.Similarly, the scored line 85 can be placed on the bottom surface 83B ofthe blank 83. Such bottom surface scored line is also called an upwardbending line.

The front edge 83F and the rear edge 83R are placed at longitudinal endsof the sheet 83. The front edge 83F is connected to the first side edge83S1, which is connected to the rear edge 83R. The rear edge 83R isconnected to the second side edge 83S2, which is connected to the frontedge 83F.

The sheet 83 also comprises a semi-circular portion 102, a firstrectangular portion 104, a second rectangular portion 106, and a thirdrectangular portion 108, as illustrated in FIG. 43. The semi-circularportion 102 is placed next to the first rectangular portion 104, whichis placed next to the second rectangular portion 106. The secondrectangular portion 106 is placed next to the third rectangular portion108.

The semi-circular portion 102 and the first rectangular portion 104forms a partial stadium portion. The partial stadium portion with agenerally rectangular shape that has three straight lines and onecircular line.

The semi-circular portion 102 comprises an arc edge 102A and a straightedge 102S. Ends of the arc edge 102A are placed next to respective endsof the straight edge 102S.

The first rectangular portion 104 includes a first-long edge 104L1 witha second-long edge 104L2, which is placed opposite to the first-longedge 104L1, and a first-short edge 104S1 with a second-short edge 104S2,which is placed opposite to the first-short edge 104S1. A first end ofthe first-long edge 104L1 is placed next to a first end of thefirst-short edge 104S1. A second end of the first-short edge 104S1 isplaced next to a first end of the second-long edge 104L2. A second endof the second-long edge 104L2 is placed next to a first end of thesecond-short edge 104S2. A second end of the second-short edge 104S2 isplaced next to a second end of the first-long edge 104L1.

Similar to the first rectangular portion 104, the second rectangularportion 106 includes a first-long edge 106L1 with a second-long edge106L2, and a first-short edge 106S1 with a second-short edge 106S2.

Similar to the first rectangular portion 104, the third rectangularportion 108 includes a first-long edge 108L1 with a second-long edge108L2, and a first-short edge 108S1 with a second-short edge 108S2.

Referring to the semi-circular portion 102, the arc edge 102A is placednext to the front edge 83F. The straight edge 102S is placed next to thefirst-long edge 104L1 of the first rectangular portion 104.

Referring to the first rectangular portion 104, the first-short edge104S1 is placed next to the first side edge 83S1. The second short edge104S2 is placed next to the second side edge 83S2. The second-long edge104L2 is placed next to the first-long edge 106L1 of the secondrectangular portion 106.

Referring to the second rectangular portion 106, the first-short edge106S1 is placed next to the first side edge 83S1. The second short edge106S2 is placed next to the second side edge 83S2. The second-long edge106L2 is placed next to the first-long edge 108L1 of the thirdrectangular portion 108.

Referring to the third rectangular portion 108, the first-short edge108S1 is placed next to the first side edge 83S1. The second short edge108S2 is placed next to the second side edge 83S2. The second-long edge108L2 is placed next to the rear edge 83R.

The straight edge 102S of the semi-circular portion 102, the long edges104L1 and 104L2 of the first rectangular portion 104, the long edges106L1 and 106L2 of the second rectangular portion 106, and the longedges 108L1 and 108L2 of the third rectangular portion 108 have the samelength.

The first short edge 104S1 of the first rectangular portion 104, thefirst short edge 106S1 of the second rectangular portion 106, and thefirst short edge 108S1 of the third rectangular portion 108 are placedsuch that they form a straight line.

Similarly, the second short edge 104S2 of the first rectangular portion104, the second short edge 106S2 of the second rectangular portion 106,and the second short edge 108S2 of the third rectangular portion 108 areplaced such that they form a straight line.

Referring to the scored lines 85, they include a set oflongitudinal-scored lines, a set of lateral-scored lines, and a set ofdiagonal-scored lines.

The longitudinal-scored lines include a first longitudinal bending line,which is also called a short valley spine. The longitudinal-scored linesalso include a second longitudinal bending line, and a thirdlongitudinal bending line.

In detail, the first longitudinal bending line includes a circularbending line segment 110C and a first straight bending line segment110S1 with a second straight bending line segment 110S2.

The circular bending line segment 110C is placed on the bottom surface83B while the first straight bending line segment 110S1 and the secondstraight bending line segment 110S2 are placed on the top surface 83T. Afirst end of the circular bending line segment 110C is placed next to afirst end of the first straight bending line segment 110S1. A second endof the first straight bending line segment 110S1 is placed next to afirst end of the second straight bending line segment 110S2. A secondend of the second straight bending line segment 110S2 is placed next toa second end of the circular bending line segment 110C. The firststraight bending line segment 110S1 and the second straight bending linesegment 110S2 form a small angle. The circular bending line segment 110Cis placed at a midpoint of the straight edge 102S of the semi-circularportion 102. The second end of the first straight bending line segment110S1 and the first end of the second straight bending line segment110S2 are placed at a midpoint of the first long edge 106L1 of thesecond rectangular portion 106.

The second longitudinal bending line includes a straight bending linesegment 112, which is placed on the top surface 83T. The straightbending line segment 112 extends from a midpoint of the first long edge106L1 to a midpoint of the second long edge 106L2 of the secondrectangular portion 106.

The third longitudinal bending line includes a straight bending linesegment 114, which is placed on the top surface 83T. The straightbending line segment 114 extends from a midpoint of the first long edge108L1 to a midpoint of the second long edge 108L2 of the thirdrectangular portion 108.

The lateral-scored lines include a first straight bending line segment116, a second straight bending line segment 118, a third straightbending line segment 120, and a fourth straight bending line segment122.

In detail, the first straight bending line segment 116 is placed on thebottom surface 83B and it extends from one end of the first long edge106L1 of the second rectangular portion 106, which is placed next to thefirst side edge 83S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 106L1 of thesecond rectangular portion 106.

The second straight bending line segment 118 is placed on the topsurface 83T and it extends from the midpoint of the first long edge106L1 of the second rectangular portion 106 to one end of the first longedge 106L1 of the second rectangular portion 106, which is placed nextto the second side edge 83S2.

The third straight bending line segment 120 is placed on the bottomsurface 83B and it extends from one end of the first long edge 108L1 ofthe third rectangular portion 108, which is placed next to the firstside edge 83S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 108L1 of the thirdrectangular portion 108.

The fourth straight bending line segment 122 is placed on the topsurface 83T and it extends from the midpoint of the first long edge108L1 of the third rectangular portion 108 to one end of the first longedge 108L1 of the third rectangular portion 108, which is placed next tothe second side edge 83S2.

The set of diagonal-scored lines include a first straight bending linesegment 124 and a second straight bending line segment 126.

In detail, the first straight bending line segment 124 is placed on thebottom surface 83B and it extends from a midpoint of the straight edge102S of the semi-circular portion 102 to one end of the second-long edge104L2 of the first rectangular portion 104, which is placed at the firstside edge 83S1.

The second straight bending line segment 126 is placed on the bottomsurface 83B and it extends from the midpoint of the straight edge 102Sof the semi-circular portion 102 and it extends towards one end of thesecond-long edge 104L2 of the first rectangular portion 104, which isplaced at the second side edge 83S2.

One end of the second straight bending line segment 126 is placed on themidpoint of the straight edge 102S of the semi-circular portion 102.Another end of the second straight bending line segment 126 is placed ona point, which lies on about midpoint between the midpoint of thestraight edge 102S and the one end of the second-long edge 104L2 of thefirst rectangular portion 104, which is placed at the second side edge83S2.

With regards to the bumps 87, they are placed on a first elevated partand on a second elevated part of the blank 81.

The first elevated part is enclosed by a part of the first long edge106L1, a part of the second-long edge 106L2, and the second short edge106S2 of the second rectangular portion 106, as well as the straightbending line segment 112.

The second elevated part is enclosed by a part of the first long edge108L1, a part of the second-long edge 108L2, and the second short edge108S2 of the third rectangular portion 108, as well as the straightbending line segment of the straight bending line segment 114.

A curve line or rounded corner 130 is provided at one end of the thirdstraight bending line segment 120, which is placed next to the firstside edge 83S1.

A curve line or rounded corner 132 is provided at one end of the thirdstraight bending line segment 120, which is placed next to one end ofthe fourth straight bending line segment 122.

A curve line or rounded corner 134 is also provided at another end ofthe fourth straight bending line segment 122, which is placed next tothe second side edge 83S2.

In one implementation for forming a cup with a long handle, the blank81, which comprises a thin material, has a length of approximately 285mm and a width of approximately 120 mm.

The semi-circular portion 102 has a radius of about 60 mm.

Referring to the first rectangular portion 104, the first-short edge104S1 and the second-short edge 104S2 have a length of about 60 mm andthe first-long edge 104L1 and the second-long edge 104L2 have a lengthof about 120 mm.

Referring to the second rectangular portion 106, the first-short edge106S1 has a length of about 82.5 mm, the second-short edge 106S2 has alength of about 83.0 mm, while the first-long edge 106L1 and thesecond-long edge 106L2 have a length of about 120 mm.

Referring to the third rectangular portion 108, the first-short edge108S1 has a length of about 80.0 mm, the second-short edge 108S2 has alength of about 82.0 mm, the first-long edge 108L1 has a length of about120 mm, and the second-long edge 108L2 has a length of about 118 mm.

The first straight bending line segment 124 of the diagonal-scored linesforms an angle of about 45 degrees with the first side edge 83S1.

In one implementation for forming a cup with a short handle, the blank81, which comprises a thin material, has a length of approximately 243.5mm and a width of approximately 120 mm. The semi-circular portion 102has a radius of about 60 mm.

Referring to the first rectangular portion 104, the first-short edge104S1 and the second-short edge 104S2 have a length of about 60 mm andthe first-long edge 104L1 and the second-long edge 104L2 have a lengthof about 120 mm.

Referring to the second rectangular portion 106, the first-short edge106S1 has a length of about 59.0 mm, the second-short edge 106S2 has alength of about 60.0 mm, while the first-long edge 106L1 and thesecond-long edge 106L2 have a length of about 120 mm.

Referring to the third rectangular portion 108, the first-short edge108S1 has a length of about 57.0 mm, the second-short edge 108S2 has alength of about 59.0 mm, the first-long edge 108L1 has a length of about120 mm, and the second-long edge 108L2 has a length of about 118 mm.

The first straight bending line segment 124 of the diagonal-scored linesforms an angle of about 45 degrees with the first side edge 83S1.

The blank 81 is produced using food grade synthetic papers, which areextruded from polypropylene pellets. The synthetic paper has a weightvalue of about 250 grams per square meter (GSM) to about 350 GSM.

In a general sense, the blank 81 can also be produced using other foodgrade materials, such as folding boxboard (FBB), solid bleached sulphate(SBS), and ivory board. The FBB, the SBS, and the ivory board can have aweight value of about 200 GSM to about 400 GSM.

Referring to the outer longitudinal-scored lines Functionally, the blank81 can be folded manually to form a cup, which is illustrated in FIGS.39 to 42.

The scored lines 85 are intended for bending parts of the blank 81toward different predetermined directions to form the cup.

The semi-circular portion 102 and the first rectangular portion 104 areintended for folding to form a container portion of the cup.

The second rectangular portion 106 and the third rectangular portion 108are intended for folding to form a handle portion of the cup.

The first straight bending line segment 124, the circular bending linesegment 110C, and the second straight bending line segment 126 areadapted such that they form a smooth line which does not cut a user ofthe cup.

The rounded corners act to provide safety to prevent cutting of a userof the cup. The rounded corners also act to increase durability and actto provide a sturdier formation. This is different from pointed cornersthat break or damage more easily.

In a general sense, the cup can serve as a spoon with an active orfunctional top side, a scoop with an active bottom side, a scraper withan active bottom side, or a funnel with an active bottom side.

FIGS. 45, 46, and 47 show a method of folding the blank 81 to form a cupwith a handle.

The method includes a step of folding the flat blank 81 along thestraight bending line segments 112 and the 114, as indicated by an arrowA1, which is shown in FIGS. 45 and 46. This causes the semi-circularportion 102 and the first rectangular portion 104 to fold for forming acontainer portion while the second rectangular portion 106 and the thirdrectangular portion 108 folds to form an initial handle portion of thecup.

After this, the blank 81 is folded along the straight bending linesegment 118, as indicated by an arrow A2, which is shown in FIGS. 45,46, and 47. The container portion is then inclined at an acute anglewith respect to the handle portion.

The blank 81 is then folded along the straight bending line segment 122,as indicated by an arrow A3, which is shown in FIGS. 45, 46, and 47. Inother words, the handle portion is bent about straight bending linesegment 122.

The third rectangular portion 108 is later inserted into a slit that isformed by the folded first rectangular portion 104, as indicated by anarrow A4, which is shown in FIG. 47, wherein the second rectangularportion 106 and the third rectangular portion 108 are bent and placed toform the final handle portion of the cup.

FIGS. 48 to 57 illustrate a blank, which is another variant of the blankof FIGS. 1 and 38.

FIG. 48 shows a thick blank for folding to form a cup with a handle. Thethick blank of FIG. 48 and the blank of FIG. 38 have similar parts.

FIG. 48 shows a thick blank 181 for folding to form a desired cup with ahandle.

The thick blank 181 comprises an elongated sheet 183 with a plurality ofscored lines 185 and with a plurality of bumps 187. The scored lines 185and the bumps 187 are located on surfaces of the sheet 183.

The elongated sheet 183 is essentially flat and is symmetrical about itslongitudinal axis. The sheet 183 has a top surface 183T with a bottomsurface 183B being provided opposite to the top surface 183T. The sheet183 also has a first side edge 183S1 with a second side edge 183S2 beingprovided opposite to the first side edge 183S1, and a front edge 183Fwith a rear edge 183R being provided opposite to the front edge 183F, asillustrated in FIG. 48.

The sheet 183 also comprises a semi-circular portion 202, a firstrectangular portion 204, a second rectangular portion 206, and a thirdrectangular portion 208. The semi-circular portion 202 is placed next tothe first rectangular portion 204, which is placed next to the secondrectangular portion 206. The second rectangular portion 206 is placednext to the third rectangular portion 208.

The semi-circular portion 202 comprises an arc edge 202A and a straightedge 202S. Ends of the arc edge 202A are placed next to respective endsof the straight edge 202S.

The first rectangular portion 204 includes a first-long edge 204L1 witha second-long edge 204L2, which is placed opposite to the first-longedge 204L1, and a first-short edge 204S1 with a second-short edge 204S2,which is placed opposite to the first-short edge 204S1.

Similar to the first rectangular portion 204, the second rectangularportion 206 includes a first-long edge 206L1 with a second-long edge206L2, and a first-short edge 206S1 with a second-short edge 206S2.

Similar to the first rectangular portion 204, the third rectangularportion 208 includes a first-long edge 208L1 with a second-long edge208L2, and a first-short edge 208S1 with a second-short edge 208S2.

Referring to the scored lines 185, they include a longitudinal-scoredline, a set of lateral-scored lines, and a set of diagonal-scored lines.

The longitudinal-scored line includes a longitudinal bending line. Thelongitudinal-scored line is also called a long valley spine.

In detail, the longitudinal bending line include a circular bending linesegment 210C and a first straight bending line segment 210S1 with asecond straight bending line segment 210S2. The circular bending linesegment 210C is placed on the bottom surface 183B while the firststraight bending line segment 210S1 and the second straight bending linesegment 210S2 are placed on the top surface 183T. A first end of thecircular bending line segment 210C is placed next to a first end of thefirst straight bending line segment 210S1. A second end of the firststraight bending line segment 210S1 is placed next to a first end of thesecond straight bending line segment 210S2. A second end of the secondstraight bending line segment 210S2 is placed next to a second end ofthe circular bending line segment 210C.

The first end of the first straight bending line segment 210S1 and thesecond end of the second straight bending line segment 210S2 areseparated by a distance of about 2 mm. The second end of the firststraight bending line segment 210S1 is in contact with the first end ofthe second straight bending line segment 210S2.

The first straight bending line segment 210S1 and the second straightbending line segment 210S2 form a small angle. The circular bending linesegment 210C is placed at a midpoint of the straight edge 202S of thesemi-circular portion 202. The second end of the first straight bendingline segment 210S1 and the first end of the second straight bending linesegment 210S2 are placed at a midpoint of the second-long edge 206L2 ofthe second rectangular portion 206. The first straight bending linesegment 210S1 and the first end of the second straight bending linesegment 210S2 extends from around the midpoint of the straight edge 202Sof the semi-circular portion 202, across the first rectangular portion204, across the second rectangular portion 206, and across the thirdrectangular portion 208.

The lateral-scored lines include a pair of first straight bending linesegments 216A and 216B, a pair of second straight bending line segments218A and 218B, a pair of third straight bending line segments 220A and220B, and a pair of fourth straight bending line segments 222A and 222B.

In detail, the first straight bending line segments 216A and 216B areplaced on the bottom surface 183B. They extend from the vicinity of oneend of the first long edge 206L1 of the second rectangular portion 206,which is placed next to the first side edge 183S1, to the vicinity of amidpoint of the first long edge 206L1 of the second rectangular portion206. The first straight bending line segments 216A and 216B are placedessentially parallel and close to each other.

The second straight bending line segments 218A and 218B are placed onthe top surface 183T. They extend from the vicinity of the midpoint ofthe first long edge 206L1 of the second rectangular portion 206 to thevicinity of one end of the first long edge 206L1 of the secondrectangular portion 206, which is placed next to the second side edge183S2. The second straight bending line segments 218A and 218B areplaced essentially parallel and close to each other.

The third straight bending line segments 220A and 220B are placed on thebottom surface 183B. They extend from the vicinity of one end of thefirst long edge 208L1 of the third rectangular portion 208, which isplaced next to the first side edge 183S1, to the vicinity of a midpointof the first long edge 208L1 of the third rectangular portion 208. Thethird straight bending line segments 220A and 220B are placedessentially parallel and close to each other.

The fourth straight bending line segment 222A and 222B are placed on thetop surface 183T. They extend from the vicinity of the midpoint of thefirst long edge 208L1 of the third rectangular portion 208 to thevicinity of one end of the first long edge 208L1 of the thirdrectangular portion 208, which is placed next to the second side edge183S2. The first straight bending line segments 222A and 222B are placedessentially parallel and close to each other.

The set of diagonal-scored lines include a first straight bending linesegment 224 and a second straight bending line segment 226.

In detail, the first straight bending line segment 224 is placed on thebottom surface 183B and it extends from a midpoint of the straight edge202S of the semi-circular portion 202 to one end of the second long edge204L2 of the first rectangular portion 204, which is placed at the firstside edge 183S1.

The second straight bending line segment 226 is placed on the bottomsurface 183B and it extends from the midpoint of the straight edge 202Sof the semi-circular portion 202 and it extends in the direction of oneend of the second long edge 204L2 of the first rectangular portion 204,which is placed at the second side edge 183S2.

One end of the second straight bending line segment 226 is placed on themidpoint of the straight edge 202S of the semi-circular portion 202.Another end of the second straight bending line segment 226 is placed ona point, which lies on about midpoint between the midpoint of thestraight edge 202S and the one end of the second long edge 204L2 of thefirst rectangular portion 204, which is placed at the second side edge183S2.

With regards to the bumps 187, they are placed on a first elevated partand on a second elevated part of the blank 181.

The first elevated part is enclosed by a part of the first long edge206L1, a part of the second long edge 206L2, and the second short edge206S2 of the second rectangular portion 206, as well as the straightbending line segment 210S2 of the longitudinal bending line.

The second elevated part is enclosed by a part of the first long edge208L1, a part of the second long edge 208L2, and the second short edge208S2 of the third rectangular portion 208, as well as the straightbending line segment 210S2 of the longitudinal bending line.

A first trapezoid indentation or opening 228 is provided at ends of thefirst straight bending line segments 216A and 216B, which is placed inthe vicinity of ends of the second straight bending line segments 218Aand 218B.

A second trapezoid indentation 230 is provided at ends of the thirdstraight bending line segments 220A and 220B, which is placed in thevicinity of ends of the fourth straight bending line segments 222A and222B.

In one implementation for forming a cup with a long handle, the blank181 has a length of approximately 285 mm and a width of approximately120 mm. The semi-circular portion 202 has a radius of about 60 mm.

Referring to the first rectangular portion 204, the first-short edge204S1 and the second-short edge 204S2 have a length of about 60 mm andthe first-long edge 204L1 and the second-long edge 204L2 have a lengthof about 120 mm.

Referring to the second rectangular portion 206, the first-short edge206S1 has a length of about 80.5 mm, the second-short edge 206S2 has alength of about 81.5 mm, the first-long edge 206L1 and the second-longedge 206L2 have a length of about 120 mm. The middle part of the secondrectangular portion 206 has a width of about 81.0 mm.

Referring to the third rectangular portion 208, the first-short edge208S1 has a length of about 77.3 mm, the second-short edge 208S2 has alength of about 77.8 mm, and the first-long edge 208L1 has a length ofabout 120 mm. The middle part of the third rectangular portion 208 has awidth of about 80.0 mm.

The first straight bending line segment 224 of the diagonal-scored linesforms an angle of about 45 degrees with the first side edge 183S1. Thecircular bending line segment 210C has a minimal diameter of about 3 mm.The first straight bending line segment 210S1 and the second straightbending line segment 210S2 has a separation of about 2 mm minimal at oneend and about 0 mm at another end.

In one implementation for forming a cup with a short handle, the blank181 has a length from approximately 243.5 mm and a width ofapproximately 120 mm.

The semi-circular portion 202 has a radius of about 60 mm.

Referring to the first rectangular portion 204, the first-short edge204S1 and the second-short edge 204S2 have a length of about 60 mm andthe first-long edge 204L1 and the second-long edge 204L2 have a lengthof about 120 mm.

Referring to the second rectangular portion 206, the first-short edge206S1 has a length of about 60.0 mm, the second-short edge 206S2 has alength of about 60.5 mm, the first-long edge 206L1 and the second-longedge 206L2 have a length of about 120 mm.

Referring to the third rectangular portion 208, the first-short edge208S1 has a length of about 56.5 mm, the second-short edge 208S2 has alength of about 57.0 mm, and the first-long edge 208L1 has a length ofabout 120 mm. The middle part of the third rectangular portion 208 has awidth of about 59.0 mm.

The first straight bending line segment 224 of the diagonal-scored linesforms an angle of about 45 degrees with the first side edge 183S1. Thecircular bending line segment 210C has a minimal diameter of about 3 mm.The first straight bending line segment 210S1 and the second straightbending line segment 210S2 has a separation of about 2 mm minimal at oneend and about 0 mm at another end.

Functionally, the blank 181 can be folded manually to form a cup, whichis illustrated in FIGS. 49 to 52.

The semi-circular portion 202 and the first rectangular portion 204 areintended for folding to form a container portion of the cup.

The second rectangular portion 206 and the third rectangular portion 208are intended for folding to form a handle portion of the cup.

The scored lines 185 are intended for bending parts of the blank 181toward different predetermined directions to form the cup.

The parallel and close straight bending line segments 216A and 216Ballow for easier folding of respective thick parts of blank 181.

Similarly, the parallel and close straight bending line segment 220A and220B, and the parallel and close straight bending line segment 222A and222B allow for easier folding of respective thick parts of blank 181.

The almost parallel and close bending line segments 210S1 and 210S2allow for easier folding of respective thick parts of blank 181.

These trapezoid indentations 228 and 230 allow for easier folding ofrespective thick parts of blank 181.

The trapezoid indentations 228 and 230 act to contain material thicknessof the blank 181. When the blank 181 is bent, the bent area oftenenlarges, especially in corners. This enlarging can deter the bending ofthe blank 181. The trapezoid indentations 228 and 230 serve to receivethe enlarged area to allow for easier bending of the blank 181.

In the folded state, these trapezoid indentations 228 and 230 also allowfor secure and stable formation of the cup and stable formation of itsstand.

FIGS. 55, 56, and 57 show a method of folding the blank 81 to form a cupwith a handle.

The method includes a step of folding the flat blank 181 along thestraight bending line segments 210S1 and 210S2, as indicated by an arrowA1-1, which is shown in FIGS. 55 and 56. The semi-circular portion 202and the first rectangular portion 204 then fold to form a containerportion while the second rectangular portion 206 and the thirdrectangular portion 208 are folded to form an initial handle portion ofthe cup.

After this, the blank 181 is folded along the straight bending linesegments 218A and 218B, as indicated by an arrow A2-1, which is shown inFIGS. 55, 56, and 57. The container portion is then inclined at an acuteangle with respect to the handle portion.

The blank 181 is then folded along the straight bending line segments222A and 222B, as indicated by an arrow A3-1, which is shown in FIGS.55, 56, and 57. Put differently, the handle portion is bent about thestraight bending line segments 222A and 222B.

The third rectangular portion 208 is later inserted into a slit that isformed by the folded first rectangular portion 204, as indicated by anarrow A4-1, which is shown in FIG. 57. In other words, the secondrectangular portion 206 and the third rectangular portion 208 are bentand placed to form the final handle portion of the cup.

FIGS. 58 to 67 illustrate a blank that is a variant of the blank ofFIGS. 1 and 38.

FIG. 58 shows a thin blank 381 for folding to form a desired cup with astand. The blank 381 and the blank 81 of FIG. 38 have similar parts. Thesimilar parts may have the same or similar part numbers.

In a general sense, the cup can also refer to a bowl, a container, or ascoop.

The thin blank 381 includes an elongated sheet 383 with a plurality ofscored lines 385, with a plurality of bumps 387 and with two flap parts388A and 388B. The scored lines 385 and the bumps 387 are located onsurfaces of the sheet 383.

The elongated sheet 383 is essentially flat and is symmetrical about itslongitudinal axis. The sheet 383 has a top surface 383T with a bottomsurface 383B being provided opposite to the top surface 383T, as shownin FIG. 64. The sheet 383 also has a first side edge 383S1 with a secondside edge 383S2 being provided opposite to the first side edge 383S1,and a front edge 383F with a rear edge 383R being provided opposite tothe front edge 383F, as illustrated in FIG. 58.

The front edge 383F and the rear edge 383R are placed at longitudinalends of the sheet 383. The front edge 383F is connected to the firstside edge 383S1, which is connected to the rear edge 383R. The rear edge383R is connected to the second side edge 383S2, which is connected tothe front edge 383F.

The sheet 383 also comprises a semi-circular portion 402, a firstrectangular portion 404, a second rectangular portion 406, a thirdrectangular portion 408, and a fourth rectangular portion 409, asillustrated in FIG. 63. The semi-circular portion 402 is placed next tothe first rectangular portion 404, which is placed next to the secondrectangular portion 406. The second rectangular portion 406 is placednext to the third rectangular portion 408, which is placed next to thefourth rectangular portion 409.

The semi-circular portion 402 comprises an arc edge 402A and a straightedge 402S. Ends of the arc edge 402A are placed next to respective endsof the straight edge 402S.

The first rectangular portion 404 includes a first-long edge 404L1 witha second-long edge 4104L2, which is placed opposite to the first-longedge 404L1, and a first-short edge 404S1 with a second-short edge 404S2,which is placed opposite to the first-short edge 404S1.

Similar to the first rectangular portion 404, the second rectangularportion 406 includes a first-long edge 406L1 with a second-long edge406L2, and a first-short edge 406S1 with a second-short edge 406S2.

Similar to the first rectangular portion 404, the third rectangularportion 408 includes a first-long edge 408L1 with a second-long edge408L2, and a first-short edge 408S1 with a second-short edge 408S2.

Similar to the first rectangular portion 404, the fourth rectangularportion 409 includes a first-long edge 409L1 with a second-long edge409L2, and a first-short edge 409S1 with a second-short edge 409S2.

Referring to the scored lines 385, they include a set oflongitudinal-scored lines, a set of lateral-scored lines, and a set ofdiagonal-scored lines.

The longitudinal-scored lines include a first longitudinal bending lineand a second longitudinal bending line, a third longitudinal bendingline, and a fourth longitudinal bending line.

In detail, the first longitudinal bending line includes a circularbending line segment 410C and a first straight bending line segment410S1 with a second straight bending line segment 410S2.

The circular bending line segment 410C is placed on the bottom surface383B while the first straight bending line segment 410S1 and the secondstraight bending line segment 410S2 are placed on the top surface 383T.A first end of the circular bending line segment 410C is placed next toa first end of the first straight bending line segment 410S1. A secondend of the first straight bending line segment 410S1 is placed next to afirst end of the second straight bending line segment 410S2. A secondend of the second straight bending line segment 410S2 is placed next toa second end of the circular bending line segment 410C. The firststraight bending line segment 410S1 and the second straight bending linesegment 410S2 form a small angle. The circular bending line segment 410Cis placed at a midpoint of the straight edge 402S of the semi-circularportion 402. The second end of the first straight bending line segment410S1 and the first end of the second straight bending line segment410S2 are placed at a midpoint of the first long edge 406L1 of thesecond rectangular portion 406.

The second longitudinal bending line includes a straight bending linesegment 412, which is placed on the top surface 383T. The straightbending line segment 412 extends from a midpoint of the first long edge406L1 to a midpoint of the second long edge 406L2 of the secondrectangular portion 406.

The third longitudinal bending line includes a straight bending linesegment 414, which is placed on the top surface 383T. The straightbending line segment 414 extends from a midpoint of the first long edge408L1 to a midpoint of the second long edge 408L2 of the thirdrectangular portion 408.

The fourth longitudinal bending line includes a straight bending linesegment 415, which is placed on the top surface 383T. The straightbending line segment 415 extends from a midpoint of the first long edge409L1 to a midpoint of the second long edge 409L2 of the thirdrectangular portion 409.

Referring to the lateral-scored lines, they include a first straightbending line segment 416, a second straight bending line segment 418, athird straight bending line segment 420, and a fourth straight bendingline segment 421. The lateral-scored lines also include a fifth straightbending line segment 422, a sixth straight bending line segment 423.

In detail, the first straight bending line segment 416 is placed on thebottom surface 383B and it extends from one end of the first long edge406L1 of the second rectangular portion 406, which is placed next to thefirst side edge 383S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 406L1 of thesecond rectangular portion 406.

The second straight bending line segment 418 is placed on the topsurface 383T and it extends from the midpoint of the first long edge406L1 of the second rectangular portion 406 to one end of the first longedge 406L1 of the second rectangular portion 406, which is placed nextto the second side edge 383S2.

The third straight bending line segment 420 is placed on the bottomsurface 383B and it extends from one end of the first long edge 408L1 ofthe third rectangular portion 408, which is placed next to the firstside edge 383S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 408L1 of the thirdrectangular portion 408.

The fourth straight bending line segment 421 is placed on the topsurface 383T and it extends from the midpoint of the first long edge408L1 of the third rectangular portion 408 to one end of the first longedge 408L1 of the third rectangular portion 408, which is placed next tothe second side edge 383S2.

The fifth straight bending line segment 422 is placed on the bottomsurface 383B and it extends from one end of the first long edge 409L1 ofthe fourth rectangular portion 409, which is placed next to the firstside edge 383S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 409L1 of thefourth rectangular portion 409.

The sixth straight bending line segment 423 is placed on the top surface383T and it extends from the midpoint of the first long edge 409L1 ofthe fourth rectangular portion 409 to one end of the first long edge409L1 of the fourth rectangular portion 409, which is placed next to thesecond side edge 383S2.

Referring to the set of diagonal-scored lines, they include a firststraight bending line segment 424 and a second straight bending linesegment 426.

In detail, the first straight bending line segment 424 is placed on thebottom surface 383B and it extends from a midpoint of the straight edge402S of the semi-circular portion 402 to one end of the second long edge404L2 of the first rectangular portion 404, which is placed at the firstside edge 383S1.

The second straight bending line segment 426 is placed on the bottomsurface 383B and it extends from the midpoint of the straight edge 402Sof the semi-circular portion 402 and it extends towards one end of thesecond long edge 404L2 of the first rectangular portion 404, which isplaced at the second side edge 383S2.

One end of the second straight bending line segment 426 is placed on themidpoint of the straight edge 402S of the semi-circular portion 402.Another end of the second straight bending line segment 426 is placed ona point, which lies on about midpoint between the midpoint of thestraight edge 402S and the one end of the second long edge 404L2 of thefirst rectangular portion 404, which is placed at the second side edge383S2.

The fourth rectangular portion 409 includes the previously mentionedflap parts 388A and 388B.

The flap part 388A is located in a first half of the fourth rectangularportion 409 while the flap part 388B is located in a second half of thefourth rectangular portion 409.

The flap part 388A includes a straight scored line 388AS, a firststraight cut line 388AC1 and a second straight cut line 388AC2. Thestraight scored line 388AS, the first straight cut line 388AC1 and thesecond straight cut line 388AC2 are arranged such that they form atriangle. In detail, a first end of the straight scored line 388AS isconnected to a first end of the first straight cut line 388AC1. A secondend of the first straight cut line 388AC1 is connected to a first end ofthe second straight cut line 388AC2. A second end of the second straightcut line 388AC2 is connected to a second end of the straight scored line388AS.

Similarly, the flap part 388B includes a straight scored line 388BS, afirst straight cut line 388BC1 and a second straight cut line 388BC2.

In a case wherein the blank 381 is provided using paper, the firststraight cut line 388AC1 and the second straight cut line 388AC2 areprovided with a single die cut line.

With regards to the bumps 387, they are placed on an elevated part ofthe blank 381.

The elevated part is enclosed by a part of the first long edge 408L1, apart of the second long edge 408L2, and the second short edge 408S2 ofthe third rectangular portion 408, as well as the straight bending linesegment 414.

In one implementation for forming a cup with a stand, the blank 381,which is thin, has a length of approximately 285 mm and a width ofapproximately 120 mm. The semi-circular portion 402 has a radius ofabout 60 mm. The first rectangular portion 404 has a width of about 60mm and a length of about 120 mm. The second rectangular portion 406 hasa width of about 45.5 mm to about 46.0 mm and a length of about 120 mm.The third rectangular portion 408 has a width of about 59.5 mm to about60.0 mm and a length of about 120 mm. The fourth rectangular portion 409has a width of about 58.0 mm to about 59.0 mm and a length of about 120mm. The first straight bending line segment 424 of the diagonal-scoredlines forms an angle of about 45 degrees with the first side edge 383S1.

Functionally, the blank 381 can be folded manually to form a cup with astand, which is illustrated in FIGS. 59 to 62.

The scored lines 385 are intended for bending parts of the blank 381toward different predetermined directions to form the cup.

The semi-circular portion 402 and the first rectangular portion 404 areintended for folding to form a container portion of the cup.

The second rectangular portion 406, the third rectangular portion 408,and the fourth rectangular portion 409 are intended for folding to forma stand or support for the container portion of the cup.

The flaps part 388A and 388B are intended for pop-out or folding toprovide additional support for sides of the container portion of thecup.

In a special embodiment, the semi-circular portion 402 includes aplurality of holes for draining off liquid in the cup, especially whenthe cup acts a colander.

In another embodiment, the semi-circular portion 402 includes aplurality of measurement lines for indicating volume of liquid in thecup.

FIGS. 65, 66, and 67 show a method of folding the blank 381 to form acup with a stand.

The method includes a step of folding the flat blank 381 along thestraight bending line segments 412, 414 and the 415, as indicated by anarrow A1-2, which is shown in FIGS. 65 and 66. This causes thesemi-circular portion 402 and the first rectangular portion 404 to foldfor forming a container portion while also causing the secondrectangular portion 406, the third rectangular portion 408, and thefourth rectangular portion 409 to fold for forming an initial handleportion of the cup.

After this, the blank 381 is folded along the straight bending linesegments 416 and 418, as indicated by an arrow A2-2, which is shown inFIGS. 65, 66, and 67. The container portion is then inclined at an acuteangle with respect to the handle portion.

The blank 381 is then folded along the straight bending line segments420 and 421, as indicated by an arrow A3-2, which is shown in FIGS. 65,66, and 67. The handle portion is then bent about the straight bendingline segments 420 and 421.

The blank 381 is then folded along the straight bending line segments422 and 423, as indicated by an arrow A4-2, which is shown in FIGS. 65,66, and 67. The handle portion is then bent about the straight bendingline segments 422 and 423.

The fourth rectangular portion 409 is later inserted into a slit that isformed by the folded first rectangular portion 404, as indicated by anarrow A5-2, which is shown in FIG. 67. The second rectangular portion406, the third rectangular portion 408, and the fourth rectangularportion 409 are bent and placed to form the final portion of the cup.

Following this, the flap parts 388A and 388B are folded outwards, asshown in FIG. 60.

FIGS. 68 to 79 illustrate a blank that is another variant of the blankof FIGS. 1 and 38.

FIG. 68 depicts a thin blank 481 for folding to form a desired cupwithout a handle.

In a general sense, the cup can also refer to a bowl, a container, or ascoop.

The thin blank 481 includes an elongated sheet 483 with a plurality ofscored lines 485, with a plurality of bumps 487, and with two flap parts488A and 488B. The scored lines 485 and the bumps 487 are located onsurfaces of the sheet 483.

Each scored line 485 includes a narrow hollow channel, a bending groove,or to a narrow elongated depressed area for facilitating bending orfolding of the blank 481 to form a desired cup. The depth and the widthof the scored line are adapted according to material, to thickness, andto purpose of the blank 481.

The elongated sheet 483 is essentially flat and is symmetrical about itslongitudinal axis. The sheet 483 has a top surface 483T with a bottomsurface 483B being provided opposite to the top surface 483T, as shownin FIG. 76. The sheet 483 also has a first side edge 483S1 with a secondside edge 483S2 being provided opposite to the first side edge 483S1,and a front edge 483F with a rear edge 483R being provided opposite tothe front edge 483F, as illustrated in FIG. 68.

The scored line 485 can be placed on the top surface 483T or on thebottom surface 483B of the sheet 483.

The front edge 483F and the rear edge 483R are placed at longitudinalends of the sheet 483. The front edge 483F is connected to the firstside edge 483S1, which is connected to the rear edge 483R. The rear edge483R is connected to the second side edge 483S2, which is connected tothe front edge 483F.

The sheet 483 also comprises a semi-circular portion 502, a firstrectangular portion 504, and a second rectangular portion 506, asillustrated in FIG. 75. The semi-circular portion 502 is placed next tothe first rectangular portion 504, which is placed next to the secondrectangular portion 506.

The semi-circular portion 502 comprises an arc edge 502A and a straightedge 502S. Ends of the arc edge 502A are placed next to respective endsof the straight edge 502S.

The first rectangular portion 504 includes a first-long edge 504L1 witha second-long edge 504L2, which is placed opposite to the first-longedge 504L1, and a first-short edge 504S1 with a second-short edge 504S2,which is placed opposite to the first-short edge 504S1. A first end ofthe first-long edge 504L1 is placed next to a first end of thefirst-short edge 504S1. A second end of the first-short edge 504S1 isplaced next to a first end of the second-long edge 504L2. A second endof the second-long edge 504L2 is placed next to a first end of thesecond-short edge 504S2. A second end of the second-short edge 504S2 isplaced next to a second end of the first-long edge 504L1. The first-longedge 504L1, the second-long edge 504L2, the first-short edge 504S1, andthe second-short edge 504S2 are essentially straight.

Similar to the first rectangular portion 504, the second rectangularportion 506 includes a first-long edge 506L1 with a second-long edge506L2, and a first-short edge 506S1 with a second-short edge 506S2.

Referring to the semi-circular portion 502, the arc edge 502A is placednext to the front edge 483F. The straight edge 502S is placed next tothe first-long edge 504L1 of the first rectangular portion 504.

Referring to the first rectangular portion 504, the first-short edge504S1 is placed next to the first side edge 483S1. The second short edge504S2 is placed next to the second side edge 483S2. The second-long edge504L2 is placed next to the first-long edge 506L1 of the secondrectangular portion 506.

Referring to the second rectangular portion 506, the first-short edge506S1 is placed next to the first side edge 483S1. The second short edge506S2 is placed next to the second side edge 483S2. The second-long edge506L2 is placed next to the rear edge 483R.

The straight edge 502S of the semi-circular portion 502, the long edges504L1 and 504L2 of the first rectangular portion 504, and the long edges506L1 and 506L2 of the second rectangular portion 506 have the samelength.

The first short edge 504S1 of the first rectangular portion 504 and thefirst short edge 506S1 of the second rectangular portion 506 are placedsuch that they form essentially a straight line with a slight bend. Inother words, the first short edge 506S1 has a small inclination withrespect to the first short edge 504S1.

Similarly, the second short edge 504S2 of the first rectangular portion504 and the second short edge 506S2 of the second rectangular portion506 are placed such that they form essentially a straight line with aslight bend. In other words, the second short edge 506S2 has a smallinclination with respect to the second short edge 504S2.

Referring to the scored lines 485, they include a set oflongitudinal-scored lines, a set of lateral-scored lines, and a set ofdiagonal-scored lines.

The longitudinal-scored lines include a first longitudinal bending lineand a second longitudinal bending line.

In detail, the first longitudinal bending line includes a circularbending line segment 510C and a first straight bending line segment510S1 with a second straight bending line segment 510S2.

The circular bending line segment 510C is placed on the bottom surface483B while the first straight bending line segment 510S1 and the secondstraight bending line segment 510S2 are placed on the top surface 483T.A first end of the circular bending line segment 510C is placed next toand in contact with a first end of the first straight bending linesegment 510S1. A second end of the first straight bending line segment510S1 is placed next to and in contact with a first end of the secondstraight bending line segment 510S2. A second end of the second straightbending line segment 510S2 is placed next to and in contact with asecond end of the circular bending line segment 510C. The first straightbending line segment 510S1 and the second straight bending line segment510S2 form a small angle. The circular bending line segment 510C isplaced at a midpoint of the straight edge 502S of the semi-circularportion 502. The second end of the first straight bending line segment510S1 and the first end of the second straight bending line segment510S2 are placed at a midpoint of the first long edge 506L1 of thesecond rectangular portion 506.

The second longitudinal bending line includes a straight bending linesegment 512, which is placed on the top surface 483T. The straightbending line segment 512 extends from a midpoint of the first long edge506L1 to a midpoint of the second long edge 506L2 of the secondrectangular portion 506.

With respect to the lateral-scored lines, they include a first straightbending line segment 516 and a second straight bending line segment 518.

In detail, the first straight bending line segment 516 is placed on thebottom surface 483B and it extends from one end of the first long edge506L1 of the second rectangular portion 506, which is placed next to thefirst side edge 483S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 506L1 of thesecond rectangular portion 506.

The second straight bending line segment 518 is placed on the topsurface 483T and it extends from the midpoint of the first long edge506L1 of the second rectangular portion 506 to one end of the first longedge 506L1 of the second rectangular portion 506, which is placed nextto the second side edge 483S2.

With respect to the set of diagonal-scored lines, they include a firststraight bending line segment 524 and a second straight bending linesegment 526.

In detail, the first straight bending line segment 524 is placed on thebottom surface 483B and it extends from a midpoint of the straight edge502S of the semi-circular portion 502 to one end of the second long edge504L2 of the first rectangular portion 504, which is placed at the firstside edge 483S1.

The second straight bending line segment 526 is placed on the bottomsurface 483B and it extends from the midpoint of the straight edge 502Sof the semi-circular portion 502 and it extends towards one end of thesecond long edge 504L2 of the first rectangular portion 504, which isplaced at the second side edge 483S2.

One end of the second straight bending line segment 526 is placed on themidpoint of the straight edge 502S of the semi-circular portion 502.Another end of the second straight bending line segment 526 is placed ona point, which lies on about midpoint between the midpoint of thestraight edge 502S and the one end of the second long edge 504L2 of thefirst rectangular portion 504, which is placed at the second side edge483S2.

The fourth rectangular portion 506 includes the previously mentionedflap parts 488A and 488B.

The flap part 488A is located in a first half of the second rectangularportion 506 while the flap part 488B is located in a second half of thesecond rectangular portion 506.

The flap part 488A includes a U-shaped cut line 488AU. The cut line488AU is produced using a die cut process.

A plurality of scored lines, which includes several straight bendingline segments 540 that are placed on the bottom surface 483B. Theyextend between the U-shaped cut line 488AU and one end of the secondlong edge 504L2 of the first rectangular portion 504, which is placed atthe first side edge 483S1. They also extend between the U-shaped cutlink 488AU and the midpoint of the second long edge 506L2 of the secondrectangular portion 506. The number of the scored lines is dependent onthe material of the blank 481.

Similarly, the flap part 488B includes a U-shaped cut line 488BU. Thecut line 488BU is produced using a die cut process.

A plurality of scored lines, which includes several straight bendingline segments 542 that are placed on the top surface 483T. They extendbetween the U-shaped cut link 488BU and the midpoint of the second longedge 506L2 of the second rectangular portion 506. They also extendbetween the U-shaped cut line 488BU and one end of the second long edge504L2 of the first rectangular portion 504, which is placed at thesecond side edge 483S2.

The straight bending line segments 540 and 542 allow for easy insertingof the flap parts 488A and 488B for locking the flap parts 488A and 488Bto a part of the blank 481. The straight bending line segments 540 and542 also allow for easy unlocking or removing of the flap parts 488A and488B from the lock.

With regards to the bumps 487, they are placed on an elevated part ofthe blank 481.

The elevated part is enclosed by a part of the first long edge 506L1, apart of the second long edge 506L2, and the second short edge 506S2 ofthe second rectangular portion 506, as well as the straight bending linesegment 512.

The bumps 487 are placed on the flap parts 488A and 488B. These bumps487 allow easy friction gripping of the flap parts 488A and 488B.

The bumps 487 can be produced via blind emboss for a blank thatcomprises paper. The bumps 487 can be studded or attached to a blankthat comprises silicone or rubber material.

A curve edge or rounded corner 530 is provided at one end of the firststraight bending line segment 516, which is placed next to the firstside edge 483S1.

Similarly, a curve edge or rounded corner 532 is provided at one end ofthe second straight bending line segment 518, which is placed next tothe second side edge 483S2.

A curve edge or rounded corner 534 is also provided at one end of thestraight bending line segment 512, which is placed next to the rear edge483R.

In one implementation for forming a cup, the blank 481 has a length ofapproximately 179 mm and a width of approximately 120 mm. Thesemi-circular portion 502 has a radius of about 60 mm. The firstrectangular portion 504 has a width of about 60 mm and a length of about120 mm. The second rectangular portion 506 has a width of about 57.0 mmand a length of about 120 mm. The first straight bending line segment524 of the diagonal-scored lines forms an angle of about 45 degrees withthe first side edge 483S1.

Functionally, the blank 481 can be folded manually to form a cup, whichis illustrated in FIGS. 69 to 74 and 77 and 79.

The scored lines 485 are intended for bending parts of the blank 481toward different predetermined directions to form the cup.

The semi-circular portion 502 and the first rectangular portion 504 areintended for folding to form a container portion of the cup.

The flap parts 488A and 488B are intended for forming a tab, whichallows a user to easily lock and unlock the container portion.

The rounded corners 530, 532, and 534 are intended to provide safety toprevent cutting of a user of the cup.

FIGS. 77, 78, and 79 show a method of folding the blank 481 to form acup without a handle.

The method includes a step of folding the flat blank 481 along thestraight bending line segment 512, as indicated by an arrow A1-3, whichis shown in FIGS. 77 and 78. This causes the semi-circular portion 502and the first rectangular portion 504 to fold for forming a containerportion while the second rectangular portion 506 folds to form aninitial handle portion of the cup.

After this, the blank 481 is folded along the straight bending linesegment 518, as indicated by an arrow A2-3, which is shown in FIGS. 77,78, and 79. The container portion is then inclined at an acute anglewith respect to the handle portion. The second rectangular portion 506is then bent, as indicated by the arrow A3-3, wherein the flap parts488A and 488B form a tab, which is shown in FIG. 79.

The tab is later inserted into a slit that is formed by the folded firstrectangular portion 504, as indicated by an arrow A4-3, which is shownin FIG. 79.

FIG. 80 illustrates a variant of the blank of FIG. 68.

FIG. 80 depicts a thick blank 481′ for folding to form a desired cupwithout a handle.

The blank 481′ is similar to the blank 481 of FIG. 68. The blank 481′and the blank 481 have similar parts with the same name or similar namewith a prime or alphabet symbol.

The thick blank 481′ includes an elongated sheet 483 with a plurality ofscored lines 485.

The elongated sheet 483 is essentially flat and is symmetrical about itslongitudinal axis. The sheet 483 has a top surface 483T with a bottomsurface 483B being provided opposite to the top surface 483T. The sheet483 also has a first side edge 483S1 with a second side edge 483S2 beingprovided opposite to the first side edge 483S1, and a front edge 483Fwith a rear edge 483R being provided opposite to the front edge 483F.

Referring to the scored lines 485, they include a set oflongitudinal-scored lines and a set of lateral-scored lines.

The longitudinal-scored lines include a set of first longitudinalbending lines, which includes a circular bending line segment 510C′ anda first straight bending line segment 510S1′ with a second straightbending line segment 510S2′.

The circular bending line segment 510C′ is placed on the bottom surface483B while the first straight bending line segment 510S1′ and the secondstraight bending line segment 510S2′ are placed on the top surface 483T.

The first straight bending line segment 510S1′ and the second straightbending line segment 510S2′ are essentially parallel to each other.

The circular bending line segment 510C′ is placed at a midpoint of thestraight edge 502S of the semi-circular portion 502. A first end of thecircular bending line segment 510C′ is placed next to a first end of thefirst straight bending line segment 510S1′. A second end of the firststraight bending line segment 510S1′ is placed near to a midpoint of therear edge 483R. Similarly, a second end of the circular bending linesegment 510C′ is placed next to a first end of the second straightbending line segment 510S2′. A second end of the second straight bendingline segment 510S2′ is placed next to the midpoint of the rear edge483R.

With respect to the lateral-scored lines, they include a pair of firststraight bending line segments 516A and 516B as well as a pair of secondstraight bending line segments 518A and 518B.

In detail, the first straight bending line segments 516A and 516B arepositioned essentially parallel and near to each other. The firststraight bending line segments 516A and 516B are placed on the bottomsurface 483B and they extend from one end of the first long edge 506L1of the second rectangular portion 506, which is placed next to the firstside edge 483S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 506L1 of thesecond rectangular portion 506.

The second straight bending line segments 518A and 518B are positionedessentially parallel and near to each other. The second straight bendingline segments 518A and 518B are placed on the top surface 483T and theyextend from the midpoint of the first long edge 506L1 of the secondrectangular portion 506 to one end of the first long edge 506L1 of thesecond rectangular portion 506, which is placed next to the second sideedge 483S2.

A trapezoid indentation or opening 550′ is provided at an area, wherethe pair of the first straight bending line segments 516A and 516B meetwith the pair of second straight bending line segments 518A and 518B.

Functionally, the straight bending line segments 510S1′ and 510S2′provide additional bending lines for allowing easier folding of thethick blank 481′.

Similarly, the first straight bending line segments 516A and 516B aswell as a pair of second straight bending line segments 518A and 518Bprovide additional bending lines for allowing easier folding of thethick blank 481′.

FIGS. 81 to 88 illustrate a variant of the blank of FIG. 58.

FIG. 81 shows a thin blank 381-1 for folding to form a desired cup witha stand. The blank 381-1 and the blank 381 of FIG. 38 have similarparts. The similar parts may have the same or similar part numbers.

The thin blank 381-1 includes an elongated sheet 383-1 with two flapparts 388A-1 and 388B-1.

The sheet 383-1 also comprises a semi-circular portion 402, a firstrectangular portion 404, a second rectangular portion 406, a thirdrectangular portion 408, and a fourth rectangular portion 409 asillustrated in FIG. 63.

In detail, the fourth rectangular portion 406 includes the previouslymentioned flap parts 388A-1 and 388B-1.

The flap part 388A-1 is located in a first half of the fourthrectangular portion 406 while the flap part 388B-1 is located in asecond half of the fourth rectangular portion 406.

The flap part 388A-1 includes a straight scored line 388AS-1, a firststraight cut line 388AC1-1 and a second straight cut line 388AC2-1. Thestraight scored line 388AS-1, the first straight cut line 388AC1-1 andthe second straight cut line 388AC2-1 are arranged such that they form atriangle. In detail, a first end of the straight scored line 388AS-1 isconnected to a first end of the first straight cut line 388AC1-1. Asecond end of the first straight cut line 388AC1-1 is connected to afirst end of the second straight cut line 388AC2-1. A second end of thesecond straight cut line 388AC2-1 is connected to a second end of thestraight scored line 388AS-1.

Similarly, the flap part 388B-1 includes a straight scored line 388BS-1,a first straight cut line 388BC1-1 and a second straight cut line388BC2-1.

In a case, wherein the blank 381-1 is provided using paper, the firststraight cut line 388AC1-1 and the second straight cut line 388AC2-1 areprovided with a single die cut line.

Functionally, the flaps part 388A-1 and 388B-1 are intended for pop-outor folding to provide additional support for the cup.

FIGS. 86, 87, and 88 show a method of folding the blank 381-1 to form acup with a stand.

The method includes a step of folding the flap parts 388A-1 and 388B-1outwards, as shown in FIG. 81.

FIGS. 89 to 92 show a moulded blank 1 p, which is intended for foldingto form a handheld tool, namely a spoon or scoop. The blank 1 p is notsubjected to external compressive force.

The moulded blank 1 p is a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38,wherein the moulded blank 1 p and the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38 havesimilar parts.

As better seen in FIG. 89, the moulded blank 1 p includes an elongated,and essentially symmetric sheet with a symmetrical axis A.

As better seen in FIGS. 89 to 92, the sheet includes a major top surface2 and a major bottom surface 3 being provided opposite the major topsurface 2, a first side edge 4 and a second side edge 4′ being providedopposite the first side edge 4, as well as a front edge 5 and a rearedge 6 being provided opposite the front edge 5. A first end part of thefirst side edge 4 is placed next to a first end part of the rear edge 6.A second end part of the rear edge 6 is placed next to a first end partof the second side edge 4′. A second end part of the second side edge 4′is placed next to a first end part of the front edge 5. A second endpart of the front edge 5 is placed next to a second end part of thesecond side edge 4.

Referring to FIG. 89, the sheet includes a first sheet portion 9-1 ptogether with a second sheet portion 9-2 p, and a bending cum connectionstrip 11 p. The first sheet portion 9-1 p is integrally connected to thebending cum connection strip 11 p, which is integrally connected to thesecond sheet portion 9-2 p. As seen in FIGS. 90 and 91, a plane of thefirst sheet portion 9-1 p is also separated from a plane of the secondsheet portion 9-2 p by a predetermined distance d. In other words, thesecond sheet portion 9-2 p is elevated or raised with respect to thefirst sheet portion 9-1 p.

The sheet portion 9-1 p and 9-2 p refer to a large thin portion, whichcan be flat or bended.

Referring to FIG. 89, the bending cum connection strip 11 p includes twoessentially straight strip segments 12 p and 12 p′ and an essentiallycircular strip segment 13 p. The straight strip segments 12 p and 12 p′are connected to the circular strip segment 13 p such that the bendingcum connection strip 11 p is symmetrical around the axis A. The circularstrip segment 13 p is also called a vertex.

In detail, a first end of the straight strip segment 12 p is placed nextto the first side edge 4. The straight strip segment 12 p extends fromthe side edge 4 towards the symmetrical axis A. The straight stripsegment 12 p is placed at an acute angle with respect to the side edge4. A second end of the straight strip segment 12 p is placed next to afirst end of the circular strip segment 13 p. The second end of thestraight strip segment 12 p and the first end of the circular stripsegment 13 p are placed at a junction point 16.

Similarly, a first end of the straight strip segment 12 p′ is placednext to the second side edge 4′. The straight strip segment 12 p′extends from the side edge 4′ towards the symmetrical axis A. Thestraight strip segment 12 p′ is placed at an acute angle with respect tothe side edge 4′. A second end of the straight strip segment 12 p′ isplaced next to a second end of the circular strip segment 13 p. A secondend of the straight strip segment 12 p′ and the second end of thecircular strip segment 13 are placed at a junction point 16′.

Referring to the second sheet portion 9-2 p, it includes bending lines10 p and 10 p′. The bending lines 10 p and 10 p′ extend between the rearedge 6 of the moulded blank 1 p and the circular strip segment 13 p. Thebending lines 10 p and 10 p′ are placed on the top surface 2.

The bending line 10 p comprises two straight bending line segments 14 p1 and 14 p 2 together with a curved bending line segment 15 p. A firstend part of the straight bending line segment 14 p 1 is placed next tothe rear edge 6. A second end part of the straight bending line segment14 p 1 is placed next to a first end part of the curved bending linesegment 15 p. A second end part of the curved bending line segment 15 pis placed next to the junction point 16. The second end part of thecurved bending line segment 15 p is also placed next to a first end partof the straight bending line segment 14 p 2. A second end part of thestraight bending line segment 14 p 2 is placed next to the rear edge 6.

Similarly, the bending line 10 p′ comprises two straight bending linesegment 14 p 1′ and 14 p 2′ and a curved bending line segment 15 p′. Afirst end part of the straight bending line segment 14 p 1′ is placednext to the rear edge 6. A second end part of the straight bending linesegment 14 p 1′ is placed next to a first end part of the curved bendingline segment 15 p′. A second end part of the curved bending line segment15 p′ is placed next to the junction point 16′. The second end part ofthe curved bending line segment 15 p′ is also placed next to a first endpart of the straight bending line segment 14 p 2′. A second end part ofthe straight bending line segment 14 p 2′ is placed next to the rearedge 6.

The straight bending line segments 14 p 1 and 14 p 2 and the straightbending line segments 14 p 1′ and 14 p 2′ extend longitudinally withrespect to the blank 1 p.

The straight bending line segments 14 p 1 and 14 p 2 are placed on afirst side of the symmetrical axis A while the straight bending linesegments 14 p 1′ and 14 p 2′ are placed on a second side of thesymmetrical axis A, which is opposite the first side. The straightbending line segments 14 p 1 and 14 p 2 and the straight bending linesegments 14 p 1′ and 14 p 2′ are placed closed to and parallel to thesymmetrical axis A such that the straight bending line segments 14 p 2and 14 p 2′ and the curved bending line segments 15 p and 15 p′ and thecircular strip segment 13 p enclose a stripe or channel that extendsfrom the rear edge 6 to the circular strip segment 13 p.

The channel has an essentially constant width over its whole length,except in the vertex region, in which the curved bending line segments15 p and 15 p′ separates further away from the symmetrical axis A.

In use, the shape of the moulded blank 1 p can change under pressure. Inother words, the moulded blank 1 p is flexible. Without externalpressure or force, specifically external compressive forces, the blank 1p has a shape as shown in FIGS. 89 to 92. This shape can change when apredetermined compressive force is applied to the moulded blank 1 p.

The bending line 10 p′ includes a groove or channel, wherein the grooveis connected to two opposing parts. One part can bend or rotate aroundthe groove, with respect to the other part.

A connection or joint between the first sheet portion 9-1 p and thebending cum connection strip 11 p acts as a bending line. The firstsheet portion 9-1 p can bend or rotate around the bending line, withrespect to the bending cum connection strip 11 p.

Similarly, a connection or joint between the second sheet portion 9-2 pand the bending cum connection strip 11 p also acts as a bending line.The second portion 9-2 p can bend or rotate around the bending line,with respect to the bending cum connection strip 11 p.

A method producing the blank 1 p using pulp moulding is described below.The pulp moulding is also called heat pressing or thermoforming offibre.

A fine wire mesh is initially provided. The wire mesh, which acts as amould, is connected a chamber with a vacuum pump, wherein the wire meshis suspended above a liquid return pool. The wire mesh has a shape of anupper or exposed surface of the blank 1 p, wherein the surface includesbending lines. After this, a food-safe wet fibrous slurry is sprayedfrom below onto the wire mesh. The fibrous slurry is produced usingfood-safe fibers.

The vacuum pump then draws the slurry tightly against the wire mesh,wherein fibers of the slurry fills all or most gaps and spaces of thewire mesh while also drawing water of the slurry through the wire meshinto the vacuum chamber. When airflow through the wire mesh has beensufficiently blocked by the fibers, excess slurry falls into the returnpool for recycling.

The wire mesh together with the fibers, which are shaped by the wiremesh, later moves to an area for drying the fibers, wherein the driedfibers form the blank 1 p.

Following this, the wire mesh is separated from the dried blank 1 p.

In one implementation, a blank produced by pulp moulding has a thicknessof at least 1 millimeter (mm).

The pulp moulding can elevate a bowl section and a handle section of theblank whilst elevating or lowering bending lines of the blank accordingto design-engineered customized moulds used to produce the blank. Theseelevated parts and the lowered parts enable ease of use. In other words,these parts allow the blank to be folded easily. A user can simply pinchthe blank to fold the blank to form a desired tool, such as a fork orspoon.

The blank produced by pulp moulding can also be branded or incorporatedwith a description through various methods, such as precision emboss anddeboss.

This blank can remain essentially flat when packed due to flexibilityand thinness of material used to produce the blank.

The pulp moulding allows production of thin walled products or blanks,which are often be well defined and have smooth surfaces.

In a further implementation, the blank is produced using thermoforming.While a mould forms a blank or product, the mould also produces heat topress and densifies the moulded product. The product is later ejectedfrom the heated mould in its finished state as opposed to being dried ina heated oven. Such product often has the appearance of plastic materialwhile the production process allows accurate formation of the product.

The blank is often designed, wherein the bending lines are placed on thesame side of the blank. This allows the bending lines (and any creaseand preforation) to be produced using the same mould. Furthermore, theplacement of the bending lines is precise, since one, and not twomoulds, is used to produce these bending lines.

In a generic sense, the blank can be made using various methodologiesincluding moulding and/or injection moulding of different materials.Examples of this include FDA approved food grade (recyclable)silicone/rubber.

The blank can also be produced from different other materials, such assilicone, and it can have various thickness depending on materialoriginal strength and purpose of tool being produced by the blank.

In another embodiment, a sheet of paper is provided. After this, a mouldis used to press the sheet to form the first sheet portion 9-1 ptogether with the elevated second sheet portion 9-2 p of the blank 1 p.Following this, the bending line 10 p and 10 p′ are provided on thepaper using scoring to form the finished blank 1 p. Heat can also beapplied to form the elevated second sheet portion 9-2 p.

The blank 1 p provides a benefit in that the separation of plane of thefirst sheet portion 9-1 p from the plane of the second sheet portion 9-2p allows for easier folding of the blank 1 p to form the spoon.

A user can just bend the bank 1 p to form a spoon in one movement. Theuser presses the side edges 4 and 4′ toward each other. The bending cumconnection strip 11 p then allows and eases the first sheet portion 9-1p to bend or rotate around the bending line or joint, which is providedbetween the first sheet portion 9-1 p and the bending cum connectionstrip 11 p. Similarly, the bending cum connection strip 11 p also allowsand facilitates the second sheet portion 9-2 p to bend or rotate aroundthe bending line or joint, which is provided between the second portion9-2 p and the bending cum connection strip 11 p.

In summary, the blank includes a first flat part, a second flat part,and a connection part. The first flat part is connected to theconnection part, which is connected to the second flat part such thatthe first flat part is elevated with respect to the second flat part.

The elevation or separation between the two flat parts can be formedusing different methods. Each method can include different processsteps, such as application of pressure, application of vacuum orsuction, and/or application of heat.

Referring to the blank, height of the elevation can be selectedaccording to material of the blank. In general, the height should bemore than a thickness of the blank.

The blank can be produced from paper material or metal material or otherfood-safe material.

In use, the elevated part is often selected to serve as a handle/bridgesection.

FIGS. 93 and 94 show a moulded blank 1 q, which is intended for foldingto form a handheld tool, namely a spoon or scoop.

The moulded blank 1 q is a variant of the blank of FIG. 89. The mouldedblank 1 q and the blank of FIG. 89 have similar parts.

As better seen in FIG. 93, the moulded blank 1 q includes an elongated,and essentially symmetric sheet with a symmetrical axis A.

As better seen in FIG. 94, the sheet includes a major top surface 2 anda major bottom surface 3 being provided opposite the major top surface2. As better seen in FIG. 93, the sheet also includes a first side edge4 and a second side edge 4′ being provided opposite the first side edge4, as well as a front edge 5 and a rear edge 6 being provided oppositethe front edge 5.

Referring to FIG. 94, the sheet includes a first sheet portion 9-1 ptogether with a second sheet portion 9-2 p and a bending cum connectionstrip 11 p. The first sheet portion 9-1 p is integrally connected to thebending cum connection strip 11 p, which is integrally connected to thesecond sheet portion 9-2 p.

The first sheet portion 9-1 p is bent to serve as a container portion ofa spoon. The second sheet portion 9-2 p is bent to serve as a handleportion of the spoon.

The bending cum connection strip 11 p includes two essentially straightstrip segments 12 p and 12 p′ and an essentially circular strip segment13 p. The straight strip segments 12 p and 12 p′ and the circular stripsegment 13 p are illustrated in FIG. 89. The straight strip segments 12p and 12 p′ are connected to the circular strip segment 13 p such thatthe bending cum connection strip 11 p is symmetrical around the axis A.The circular strip segment 13 p is also called a vertex.

Referring to the second sheet portion 9-2 p, it includes bending lines10 p and 10 p′. The bending lines 10 p and 10 p′ are illustrated in FIG.89. The bending lines 10 p and 10 p′ extend between the rear edge 6 ofthe moulded blank 1 q and the circular strip segment 13 p. The bendinglines 10 p and 10 p′ are placed on the top surface 2.

The bending line 10 p comprises two straight bending line segments 14 p1 and 14 p 2 together with a curved bending line segment 15 p.Similarly, the bending line 10 p′ comprises two straight bending linesegment 14 p 1′ and 14 p 2′ and a curved bending line segment 15 p′. Thecurved bending line segments 15 p and 15′ are illustrated in FIGS. 89and 93.

The straight bending line segments 14 p 1 and 14 p 2 and the straightbending line segments 14 p 1′ and 14 p 2′ extend longitudinally withrespect to the blank 1 q.

The blank 1 q is formed by scoring the top surface 2 and the bottomsurface 3 and by debossing the bottom surface 3.

FIG. 95 shows an embodiment of the blank 1 q, wherein the blank 1 q isformed using by debossing of the top surface 2 and the bottom surface 3.

FIG. 96 shows another embodiment of the blank 1 q, wherein the blank 1 qis formed by scoring of the top surface 2 and the bottom surface 3.

The blank 1 q provides a benefit in that the shape of the moulded blank1 q allows for easier folding of the blank 1 q to form a spoon. A usercan just bend the bank 1 q to form a spoon in one movement by pressingthe side edges 4 and 4′ toward each other.

FIGS. 97 to 127 show a plurality of spoon blanks, wherein each blank isintended for folding to form a spoon.

FIGS. 97 to 109 show a first plurality of spoon blanks, each blankincludes a pair of spoon rest grooves, and handle locking slits.

FIGS. 97 and 98 illustrate a blank that is a variant of the blank ofFIGS. 1 and 38. The blank of FIG. 97 and the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38have similar parts.

FIG. 97 shows a thin blank 681 with spoon rest grooves and spoon handlelocking slits, wherein the unfolded blank 681 is flat and is intendedfor folding to form a spoon.

In a general sense, dimensions of the blank 681 can also be adapted toform a ladle, a shovel, a spade, or other tools.

The thin blank 681 includes an elongated sheet 683 with a plurality ofscored lines 685. The scored lines 685 are located on major surfaces ofthe sheet 683.

Each scored line 685 includes a narrow hollow channel, a bending groove,or a narrow elongated depressed area for facilitating bending or foldingof the blank 681 to form the desired spoon. The depth and the width ofthe scored line are adapted according to material, to thickness, and topurpose of the blank 681.

In detail, the unfolded elongated sheet 683 is essentially flat and issymmetrical about its longitudinal axis.

The sheet 683 has a top surface with a bottom surface being providedopposite to the top surface. The sheet 683 also has a first side edge683S1 with a second side edge 683S2 being provided opposite to the firstside edge 683S1, and a front edge 683F with a rear edge 683R beingprovided opposite to the front edge 683F.

The front edge 683F and the rear edge 683R are placed at longitudinalends of the sheet 683. The front edge 683F is connected to the firstside edge 683S1, which is connected to the rear edge 683R. The rear edge683R is connected to the second side edge 683S2, which is connected tothe front edge 683F. Furthermore, the sheet 683 also comprises a bowlportion 702, a first handle portion 704, and a second handle portion706, as illustrated in FIG. 98. The bowl portion 702 is placed next tothe first handle portion 704, which is placed next to the second handleportion 706.

The bowl portion 702 comprises an essentially or mainly straight edge702A with an essentially straight edge 702C that is placed opposite theedge 702A, and an essentially straight edge 702B with an essentiallystraight edge 702D that is placed opposite the edge 702B. A first end ofthe edge 702A is placed next to a first end of the edge 702B. A secondend of the edge 702B is placed next to a first end of the edge 702C. Asecond end of the edge 702C is placed next to a first end of the edge702D. A second end of the edge 702D is placed next to a second end ofthe edge 702A.

Similar to the bowl portion 702, the first handle portion 704 includesan essentially straight edge 704A with an essentially straight edge704C, and an essentially straight edge 704B with an essentially straightedge 704D.

Similar to the bowl portion 702, the second handle portion 706 includesan essentially straight edge 706A with an essentially straight edge706C, and an essentially straight edge 706B with an essentially straightedge 706D.

Referring to the bowl portion 702, the edge 702A is placed next to thefront edge 683F or is a part of the front edge 683F. The edge 702D isplaced next to the first side edge 683S1 or is a part of the first sideedge 683S1. The edge 702B is placed next to the second side edge 683S2or is a part of the second side edge 683S2. The edge 702C is placed tothe edge 704A of the first handle portion 704.

Referring to the first handle portion 704, the edge 704D is placed nextto the first side edge 683S1. The edge 704B is placed next to the secondside edge 683S2. The edge 704C is placed to the edge 706A of the secondhandle portion 706.

Referring to the second handle portion 706, the edge 706D is placed nextto the first side edge 683S1. The edge 706B is placed next to the secondside edge 683S2. The edge 706C is placed to the rear edge 683R.

The edge 702D of the bowl portion 702, the edge 704D of the first handlebowl portion 704, and the edge 706D of the second handle portion 706 areplaced such that they are aligned or that they lie on a straight line.

Similarly, the edge 702B of the bowl portion 702, the edge 704B of thefirst handle bowl portion 704, and the edge 706B of the second handleportion 706 are placed such that they lie on a straight line.

Moreover, the sheet 683 also includes a pair of spoon rest grooves 735G1and 735G2. The spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 can also be calledfork rest grooves, in certain implementations. The spoon rest groove735G1 is placed along the first side edge 683S1 and is placed betweenthe first handle portion 704 and the second handle portion 706.

The other spoon rest groove 735G2 is placed along the second side edge683S2 and is placed between the first handle portion 704 and the secondhandle portion 706.

The spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 curve inward or are curvedtapered. In other words, they are not straight. This curve of the spoonrest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 is configured or designed such that theyact to prevent tearing of the spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2,especially when the blank 681 is folded to form the desired spoon. Inshort, the curve of the spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 serve toresistance tearing.

The second handle portion 706 includes two complementary handle lockingslits 740S1 and 740S2. The handle locking slit 740S1 is placed along theedge 706D while the other handle locking slit 740S2 is placed along theedge 706B.

The scored lines 685 include a set of central longitudinal-scored lines,a set of outer longitudinal-scored lines, and a set of diagonal-scoredlines.

Referring to the central longitudinal-scored lines, they are also calleda valley spine. As seen in FIG. 97, the longitudinal bending linesinclude a short-bending line segment 710S and a first long-bending linesegment 710L1 with a second long-bending line segment 710L2. Theshort-bending line segment 710S, the first long-bending line segment710L1, and the second long-bending line segment 710L2 are essentially ormainly straight. The first long-bending line segment 710L1 and thesecond long-bending line segment 710L2 have the same length. The firstlong-bending line segment 710L1 and the second long-bending line segment710L2 are longer than the short-bending line segment 710S.

The short-bending line segment 710S is placed on the bottom surfacewhile the first long-bending line segment 710L1 and the secondlong-bending line segment 710L2 are placed on the top surface of thesheet 683. A first end of the bending line segment 710S is placed nextto a first end of the first long-bending line segment 710L1. A secondend of the first long-bending line segment 710L1 is placed next to afirst end of the second long-bending line segment 710L2. A second end ofthe second long-bending line segment 710L2 is placed next to a secondend of the short-bending line segment 710S.

The first long-bending line segment 710L1 is placed at a small angle tothe second long-bending line segment 710L2. The short-bending linesegment 710S is placed at a middle portion of the edge 702C of the bowlportion 702. The second end of the first long-bending line segment 710L1and the first end of the second long-ending line segment 710L2 areplaced at a midpoint of the edge 706C of the second handle portion 706.

Referring to the set of diagonal-scored lines, they include a firststraight bending line segment 724 and a second straight bending linesegment 726.

In detail, the first straight bending line segment 724 is placed on thebottom surface of the sheet 683 and it extends from one end of theshort-bending line segment 710S to one end of the second-long edge 704Cof the first handle portion 704, which is placed near to the first sideedge 683S1.

The first straight bending line segment 724 of the diagonal-scored linesforms an angle of about 30 degrees with the first side edge 683S1.

Similarly, the second straight bending line segment 726 is placed on thebottom surface of the sheet 683 and it extends from another end of theshort-bending line segment 710S to another end of the second-long edge704C of the first handle portion 704, which is placed near to the secondside edge 683S2.

The second straight bending line segment 726 of the diagonal-scoredlines forms an angle of about 30 degrees with the second side edge683S2.

Referring to the outer longitudinal-scored lines, they include a firstlongitudinal straight bending line 730L1 and a second longitudinalstraight bending line 730L2. The first longitudinal straight bendingline 730L1 is placed parallel to the second longitudinal straightbending line 730L2.

The first longitudinal straight bending line 730L1 extends from one endof the first straight bending line segment 724 to the edge 706C of thesecond handle portion 706. The one end of the first straight bendingline segment 724 is placed near to the spoon rest groove 735G1.

Similarly, the second longitudinal straight bending line 730L2 extendsfrom one end of the second straight bending line segment 726 to the edge706C of the second handle portion 706. The one end of the secondstraight bending line segment 726 is placed near to the spoon restgroove 735G2.

In a special embodiment, the scored lines 685, such as the straightbending line segments 724 and 726, as well as the long-bending linesegments 710L1 and 710L2 include sectional perforated lines to aidbending of the blank 681, especially when the blank 681 is thick orstiff. The sectional perforated line includes either through smallslits, holes, or blind holes.

In one implementation, the think blank 681 has a paper material of morethan 400 GSM.

Functionally, the blank 681 is intended for folding manually to form aspoon.

The bowl portion 702 is intended for folding to form a container of thespoon.

The first handle portion 704 and the second handle portion 706 areintended for folding to form a handle of the spoon.

The scored lines 685 allow parts of the blank 681 to bend towarddifferent predetermined directions for forming the spoon.

In detail, the first straight bending line segment 724, the shortbending line segment 710S, the second straight bending line segment 726allow the respective parts of the blank 681 to bend to form thecontainer of the spoon.

The first longitudinal straight bending line 730L1, the secondlongitudinal straight bending line 730L2, the first long-bending linesegment 710L1, and the second long-bending line segment 710L2 allow therespective parts of the blank 681 to bend to form the handle of thespoon.

The first straight bending line segment 724, the short bending linesegment 710S, and the second straight bending line segment 726 havecurved parts, which are adapted such that these segments 724, 710S, and726 form a smooth line which does not cut a user of the spoon. In otherwords, the smooth line does not have sharp corners, which can cut theuser.

The first long-bending line segment 710L1 is placed at a small angle tothe second long-bending line segment 710L2 for strengthening the handle.Put differently, this arrangement of the first long-bending line segment710L1 and the second long-bending line segment 710L2 prevents the handlefrom bending.

The handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 are used for interlocking witheach other such that the handle is formed in a firm or secured manner.In other words, the handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 act as alocking mechanism.

The spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 are intended for placing on a rimof a cup or bowl such that the spoon hangs on the cup or bowl. The spoonrest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 allow the rim to support the spoon.

In short, the blank includes a container portion, a handle portion, andtwo cut-off parts being positioned between the container portion and thehandle portion.

The cut-off parts act as spoon rest grooves. The two cut-off parts alsoallow the blank to fold easily along a longitudinal axis of the blank.In other words, the cut-off parts enable the respective parts of theblank to bend easily about the first longitudinal straight bending line730L1 and the second longitudinal straight bending line 730L2.

The handle portion includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanismcomprises the handle locking slits. The handle portion is intended forfolding to form a handle of the hand-held tool while the lockingmechanism serves to lock folded parts of the handle portion such thatthe folded parts are fixed to one another.

FIG. 99 shows steps of folding the blank 681 of FIG. 97, as indicated byarrows in the FIG. 99.

FIGS. 100 to 104 show different views of the blank 681, which is foldedto form a spoon.

FIGS. 105 to 109 show blanks. These blanks are flat and are intended forfolding to form spoons. These blanks are variants of the blank of FIG.97. The blanks of FIGS. 105 to 107 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similarparts.

FIG. 105 shows a blank 681-1, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.97. The blank 681-1 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts. Theblank 681-1 includes a front edge 683F, which is curved.

FIG. 106 shows a blank 681-2, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.97. The blank 681-2 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

The blank 681-2 includes a first straight bending line segment 724 thatextends to a first side edge 683S1 and a second straight bending linesegment 726 that extends to a second side edge 683S2 of the blank 681-2.The blank 681-2 also includes a first long-bending line segment 710L1and a second long-bending line segment 710L2, which are placed parallelto a longitudinal axis of the blank 681-2.

FIG. 107 shows a blank 681-3, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.97. The blank 681-3 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

The blank 681-3 includes a front edge 683F that is curved and a pair offurther complementary handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2. The blank681-3 also includes a pair of first long-bending line segments 710L1 anda pair of a second long-bending line segments 710L2. The pair of firstlong-bending line segments 710L1 and the pair of a second long-bendingline segments 710L2 are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the blank681-3.

FIG. 108 shows a blank 681-3A. The blank 681-3A is flat and is intendedfor folding to form a spoon. The blank 681-3A is a variant of the blankof FIG. 97. The blank 681-3A and the blank of FIG. 97 have similarparts.

FIG. 109 shows a blank 681-3B. The blank 681-3B is flat and is intendedfor folding to form a spoon. The blank 681-3B is a variant of the blankof FIG. 97. The blank 681-3B and the blank of FIG. 97 have similarparts.

FIGS. 110 to 122 show a second plurality of spoon blanks, wherein eachblank includes a rounded neck portion and handle locking slits.

FIG. 110 shows a blank 681-4, which is flat and is intended for foldingto form a spoon. The blank is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97. Theblank of FIG. 110 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

The blank 681-4 includes a rounded neck portion 750N, which is placedbetween a handle portion 750H and a bowl portion or a container portion750B of the blank 681-4. The neck portion 750N has width that is smallerthan a width of the bowl portion 750B. The blank 681-4 also includeshandle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2. Moreover, the blank 681-4 includesa front edge 683F that is curved.

FIGS. 111 to 116 show blanks, which are variants of the blank of FIG.110.

FIG. 111 shows a blank 681-4A, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.110. The blank 681-4A and the blank of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

The blank 681-4A includes a pair of further handle locking slits 740S1and 740S2. The handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 are placed at aninner part of the blank 681-4A. The blank 681-4A also includes twoparallel long-bending line segments 710L1 and 710L2.

FIG. 112 shows a blank 681-4B, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.110. The blank 681-4B and the blank of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

The blank 681-4B includes a pair of another different handle lockingslits 740S1 and 740S2. The blank 681-4B also includes two parallellong-bending line segments 710L1 and 710L2.

FIG. 113 shows a blank 681-4C, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.110. The blank 681-4C and the blank of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

The blank 681-4C includes a pair of parallel first long-bending linesegments 710L1 and a pair of parallel second long-bending line segments710L2. The blank 681-4C also includes a pair of different handle lockingslits 740S1 and 740S2.

FIG. 114 shows a blank 681-4D, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.110. The blank 681-4D and the blank of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

The blank 681-4D includes a further first handle locking slit 740S1 anda further second handle locking slit 740S2. The further first handlelocking slit 740S1 is placed at an edge 683S1 of the blank while thefurther second handle locking slit 740S2 is placed at an inner part ofthe blank. The blank 681-4D also includes a pair of parallel firstlong-bending line segments 710L1 and a pair of parallel secondlong-bending line segments 710L2. Moreover, the blank 681-4D alsoincludes a pair of parallel first long-bending line segments 710L1 and apair of parallel second long-bending line segments 710L2. End parts ofthe first long-bending line segments 710L1 are connected to each other.End parts of the second long-bending line segments 710L2 are connectedto each other. These line segments 710L1 and 710L2 does not extend to arear edge 683R of the blank 681-4D.

FIG. 115 shows a blank 681-4E, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.110. The blank 681-4E and the blank of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

The blank 681-4E also includes a pair of parallel first long-bendingline segments 710L1 and a pair of parallel second long-bending linesegments 710L2. These line segments 710L1 and 710L2 extend to a rearedge 683R of the blank 681-4E.

FIG. 116 shows a blank 681-4F, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.110. The blank 681-4F and the blank of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

The blank 681-4F also includes a pair of parallel first long-bendingline segments 710L1 and a pair of parallel second long-bending linesegments 710L2. End parts of the first long-bending line segments 710L1are not connected to each other. End parts of the second long-bendingline segments 710L2 are not connected to each other. These line segments710L1 and 710L2 does not extend to a rear edge 683R of the blank 681-4F.

FIG. 117 shows a blank 681-4G, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.110.

FIG. 118 shows a blank 681-4H, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.110.

FIG. 119 shows a blank 681-4I, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.110.

FIG. 120 shows a blank 681-4J, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.110.

FIG. 121 shows a blank 681-4K, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.110.

FIG. 122 shows a blank 681-4L, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.110.

FIGS. 123 to 127 show a third plurality of spoon blanks, each blankincludes a pair of spoon rest grooves, and handle locking slits.

FIG. 123 shows a blank 681-5, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.97. The blank 681-5 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

The blank 681-5 includes several pairs of complementary handle lockingslits 740S1 and 740S2 and a pair of spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2.

FIG. 124 shows a blank 681-5A, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.97. The blank 681-5A and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

FIG. 125 shows a blank 681-6, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.97. The blank 681-6 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

The blank 681-6 includes a handle portion with a plurality ofindentations 18 and a bowl portion with holes or openings 760.

FIG. 126 shows a blank 681-7, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.97. The blank 681-7 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

The blank 681-7 includes a discontinuous first longitudinal straightbending line 730L1 and a discontinuous second longitudinal straightbending line 730L2. The discontinuous line includes multiple linesegments, wherein the line segments are not joined each other and arealigned to each other in that an end part of each line segment is placednext to an end part of adjacent line segment.

FIG. 127 shows a blank 681-8, which is a variant of the blank of FIG.97.

The blank 681-8 includes a continuous first longitudinal straightbending line 730L1 and a continuous second longitudinal straight bendingline 730L2.

FIGS. 128 to 154 show a plurality of fork blanks, wherein each blank isintended for folding to form a fork. The fork includes a prong portionand a handle portion. In a general sense, instead of the fork, the blankcan also be adapted to form a fork cum spoon, a fork cum scoop, aspatula, or a trowel as well as other tools.

FIGS. 128 to 138 also show a first plurality of fork blanks, each blankincludes a pair of fork rest grooves, and handle locking slits.

FIG. 128 shows a blank 681F. The unfolded blank 681F is flat and isintended for folding to form a fork. The blank 681F is a variant of theblank 681 of FIG. 97, wherein the blank 681F and the blank 681 of FIG.97 have similar parts.

The blank 681F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for definingdifferent prongs or tines 766 of the fork. The blank 681F also includesa pair of fork rest grooves 735G1 and 735 G2 and a pair of handlelocking slits 740S1 and 740S2.

FIG. 129 shows a different blank 681-1F. The unfolded blank 681-1F isflat and is intended for folding to form a fork. The blank 681-1F is avariant of corresponding blank 681-1 of FIG. 105. The blank 681-1F andthe corresponding blank 681-1 of FIG. 105 have similar parts.

FIG. 130 shows steps of folding the blank 681-1F, as indicated by arrowsin the FIG. 130.

FIGS. 131 to 135 show different views of the blank 681-1F, which isfolded to form a fork.

FIGS. 136 and 137 show different blanks 681-2F and 681-3F. The unfoldedblanks 681-2F and 681-3F are flat and are intended for folding to form afork. The blanks 681-2F and 681-3F are variants of corresponding blanks681-2 and 681-3 of FIGS. 106 and 107. The blanks 681-2F and 681-3F andthe corresponding blanks 681-2 and 681-3 of FIGS. 106 and 107 havesimilar parts.

FIG. 138 shows a blank 681-3BF. The unfolded blank 681-3BF is flat andis intended for folding to form a fork. The blanks 681-3BF is a variantof corresponding blank 681-3B of FIG. 109. The blank 681-3BF and thecorresponding blank 681-3B of FIG. 109 have similar parts.

FIGS. 139 to 150 show a second plurality of fork blanks, wherein eachblank includes a rounded neck portion and handle locking slits.

FIG. 139 shows a blank 681-4F. The unfolded blank 681-4F is flat and isintended for folding to form a fork. The blank 681-4F is a variant ofthe blank 681-4 of FIG. 110. The blank 681-4F and the correspondingblank 681-4 of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

The blank 681-4F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for definingdifferent prongs 766 of the fork. The blank 681-4F also includes a pairof handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2. The blank 681-4F also includesa rounded neck portion 750N, which is placed between a handle portion750H and a prong portion 750P of the blank 681-4F. The neck portion 750Nhas width that is smaller than a width of the prong portion 750P.

FIGS. 140 to 145 show different blanks 681-4AF, 681-4BF, 681-4CF,681-4DF, 681-4EF, and 681-4FF. The unfolded blanks 681-4AF, 681-4BF,681-4CF, 681-4DF, 681-4EF, and 681-4FF are flat and are intended forfolding to form a fork. The blanks 681-4AF, 681-4BF, 681-4CF, 681-4DF,681-4EF, and 681-4FF are variants of corresponding blanks 681-4A,681-4B, 681-4C, 681-4D, 681-4E, and 681-4FF of FIGS. 111 to 116. Theblanks 681-4AF, 681-4BF, 681-4CF, 681-4DF, 681-4EF, and 681-4FF and thecorresponding blanks 681-4A, 681-4B, 681-4C, 681-4D, 681-4E, and 681-4FFof FIGS. 111 to 116 have similar parts.

FIGS. 146 to 150 show different blanks 681-4HF, 681-4IF, 681-4JF,681-4KF, and 681-4LF. The unfolded blanks 681-4HF, 681-4IF, 681-4JF,681-4KF, and 681-4LF are flat and are intended for folding to form afork. The blanks 681-4HF, 681-4IF, 681-4JF, 681-4KF, and 681-4LF arevariants of corresponding blanks 681-4H, 681-4I, 681-4J, 681-4K, and681-4L of FIGS. 118 to 122. The blanks 681-4HF, 681-4IF, 681-4JF,681-4KF, and 681-4LF and the corresponding blanks 681-4H, 681-4I,681-4J, 681-4K, and 681-4L of FIGS. 118 to 122 have similar parts.

FIGS. 151 to 154 show a third plurality of fork blanks, wherein eachblank includes a pair of fork rest grooves, and several handle lockingslits.

FIG. 151 shows a blank 681-5F. The unfolded blank 681-5F is flat and isintended for folding to form a fork. The blank 681-5F is a variant ofthe blank 681-5 of FIG. 123. The blank 681-5F and the blank 681-5 ofFIG. 123 have similar parts.

The blank 681-5F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for definingdifferent prongs 766 of the fork. The blank 681-5F also includes forkrest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 as well as handle locking slits 740S1 and740S2.

FIG. 152 shows a blank 681-6F, which is a variant of the blank 681-6 ofFIG. 125. The blank 681-6F and the blank 681-6 of FIG. 125 have similarparts.

The blank 681-6F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for definingdifferent prongs 766 of a fork.

FIG. 153 shows a blank 681-7F, which is a variant of the blank 681-7 ofFIG. 126. The blank 681-7F and the blank 681-7 of FIG. 126 have similarparts.

The blank 681-7F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for definingdifferent prongs 766 of a fork.

FIG. 154 shows a blank 681-8F, which is a variant of the blank 681-8 ofFIG. 127. The blank 681-8F and the blank 681-8 of FIG. 127 have similarparts.

The blank 681-8F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for definingdifferent prongs 766 of a fork.

FIGS. 155 to 167 show different handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2,which act as locking mechanism, for the blanks of FIGS. 97 to 154.

FIGS. 168 to 172 show a plurality of boxes, each box includes at leasttwo of the blanks of FIGS. 97 to 154,

FIG. 168 shows a paper box 770 that includes a sidewall 774, whichincludes a plurality of blanks 681-4CF of FIG. 142. The blank 681-4CF isintended for folding to form a fork.

In other words, parts of the sidewall 774 are adapted to serve as theblanks 681-4CF. Outer edges of these parts are perforated so that theseparts can be removed easily from the sidewall 774, wherein these partscan be folded to form the desired forks.

In a general sense, the blank 681-4CF can be replaced by one of theblanks of FIGS. 128 to 154 for folding to form a fork or one of theblanks of FIGS. 97 to 127 for folding to form a spoon.

FIG. 169 shows another paper box 780 that include a first flap 783 and asecond flap 786, wherein the first flap 783 includes a blank 681 of FIG.97 for folding to form a spoon and the second flap 786 includes a blank681F of FIG. 111 for folding to form a fork.

In detail, a part of the first flap 783 is adapted to serve as the blank681. An outer edge of this part is perforated such that this part can beremoved easily from the first flap 783. The part can then be folded toform the desired spoon.

Similarly, a part of the second flap 786 is adapted to serve as theblank 681F. An outer edge of this part is perforated such that this partcan be removed easily from the second flap 786. The part can then befolded to form the desired fork.

In a general sense, the blank 681 can be replaced by one of the blanksof FIGS. 97 to 127. The blank 681F can be replaced by one of the blanksof FIGS. 128 to 154.

FIG. 170 shows a box 790 with a cover 792. The cover 792 includes aspoon blank 681-1 of FIG. 105 and a fork blank 681-1F of FIG. 129.

FIG. 171 shows a box 795 with a front surface 797. The front surface 797includes a plurality of spoon blanks 681-5 of FIG. 123. The box is anopen state in that its opening for receiving objects into the box isopen.

FIG. 172 shows the box 795, wherein the box 795 is a closed state.

FIGS. 173 to 183 show a plurality of finger spoon blanks, wherein eachblank is intended for folding to form a finger spoon. Each blankincludes a pair of spoon rest grooves, a pair of handle locking slits,and a finger handle portion with a bowl or container portion. The fingerhandle portion is adapted for receiving a user finger. In use, a userinserts his finger into the finger handle portion to move the fingerspoon.

These finger spoon blanks are flat and are intended for folding to formfinger spoons. These finger spoon blanks are variants of the spoon blankof FIG. 97. These finger spoon blanks and the spoon blank of FIG. 97have similar parts.

FIG. 173 shows a finger spoon blank 881-1, which is a variant of theblank 681-3B of FIG. 109. The finger-spoon blank 881-1 and the blank681-3B have similar parts.

The finger spoon blank 881-1 includes a pair of spoon rest grooves 735G1and 735G2, a pair of handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 and a fingerhandle portion.

FIG. 174 shows steps of folding a further finger spoon blank 981-1A, asindicated by arrows in the FIG. 174. The finger spoon blank 981-1A is avariant of the blank 881-1.

FIGS. 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, and 180 shows different views of theblank 881-1A, which is folded to form a finger spoon.

FIG. 181 shows a finger spoon blank 881-2, which is a variant of theblank 881-1. The spoon blank 881-2 and the blank 881-1 have similarparts. The blank 881-2 has a flat front edge.

FIG. 182 shows a finger spoon blank 881-3, which is a variant of theblank 881-1. The spoon blank 881-3 and the blank 881-1 have similarparts. The blank 881-3 has a rounded front edge.

FIG. 183 shows a finger spoon blank 881-4, which is a variant of theblank 881-1. The spoon blank 881-4 and the blank 881-1 have similarparts. The blank 881-4 has a rounded front edge.

FIGS. 184 to 195 show a plurality of finger fork blanks, wherein eachblank is intended for folding to form a finger fork. Each blank includesa pair of fork rest grooves, and a pair of handle locking slits. Theblank also includes a prong portion and a finger handle portion that isadapted for receiving a user finger.

In use, a user inserts his finger into the finger handle portion to movethe finger fork. The bowl portion is used for mixing or serving food.The bowl portion can be used for scooping and holding food or liquids.

These finger fork blanks are flat and are intended for folding to formfinger forks. These finger fork blanks are variants of the fork blank ofFIG. 128. These finger fork blanks and the fork blank of FIG. 128 havesimilar parts.

FIG. 184 shows a finger fork blank 881-1F that is a variant of the blank681-3BF of FIG. 138. The finger fork blank 881-1F and the blank 681-3BFhave similar parts.

The finger fork blank 681-1F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763for defining different prongs 766 of the fork. The finger fork blank881-1F also includes a pair of fork rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2, a pairof handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 and a finger handle portion. Indetail, the finger handle portion includes an inner hollow portion thatis adapted for receiving a user finger.

FIG. 185 shows steps of folding the finger fork blank 881-1F to form afinger fork, as indicated by arrows in the FIG. 185.

FIGS. 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, and 191 shows different views of thefinger fork blank 881-1F, which is folded to form the finger fork.

The folding allows handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 of the blank881-1F to interlock with each other. The handle locking slits 740S1 and740S2 are curved such that the interlocking allows side edges 683S1 and683S2 of the blank 881-1F to move and to tilt slightly with the respectto each to other.

In use, a user inserts his finger into a finger handle portion of thefinger fork to move the finger fork, as shown in FIG. 192.

The slight movement side edges 683S1 and 683S2 with respect to eachother allows the handle portion to adapt and receive the finger. Thehandle portion can then wrap closely around the finger, therebyproviding a snug or close fit.

FIG. 193 shows a finger fork blank 881-2F, which is a variant of theblank 881-2 of FIG. 181. The blank 881-2F and the blank 881-2 havesimilar parts. The blank 881-2F includes a front edge 683F with slots763 for defining different prongs 766 of the fork.

FIG. 194 shows a finger fork blank 881-3F, which is a variant of theblank 881-3 of FIG. 182. The blank 881-3F and the blank 881-3 havesimilar parts. The blank 881-3F includes a front edge 683F with slots763 for defining different prongs 766 of the fork.

FIG. 195 shows a finger fork blank 881-4F, which is a variant of theblank 881-4 of FIG. 183. The blank 881-4F and the blank 881-4 havesimilar parts. The blank 881-4F includes a front edge 683F with slots763 for defining different prongs 766 of the fork.

FIGS. 196 to 205 show a plurality of containers. These containers havesimilar parts. These containers also include at least one of the blanksof FIGS. 173 to 195.

FIG. 196 shows a container or box 900 with a cover 902. As seen in FIG.97, the cover 902 includes a finger fork blank 881-3F of FIG. 194. Thefinger fork blank 881-3F can be provided being integrated connected tothe cover 902 or be attached to the cover 902.

FIG. 198 shows a container 905 with a cover 907. As seen in FIG. 199,the cover 9807 includes a finger spoon blank 881-3 of FIG. 182.

FIG. 200 shows a container 910 with a cover 912. As seen in FIG. 201,the cover 912 includes a finger fork blank 881-1F of FIG. 184.

FIG. 202 shows a container 915 with a cover 917. As seen in FIG. 203,the cover 917 includes a finger spoon blank 881-2 of FIG. 181.

FIG. 204 shows a container 920 with a cover 922. As seen in FIG. 205,the cover 922 includes a finger spoon blank and a finger fork blank. Thefinger spoon blank is a variant of the blank 881-1 of FIG. 183. Thefinger fork blank is a variant of the blank 881-1F of FIG. 184.

FIGS. 206 to 209 show a plurality of spoon blanks, each blank includes apair of spoon rest grooves, and handle locking slits, as well asstraight bending lines and/or bending line segments, wherein sections ofthe bending lines and/or the bending line segments are perforated.

FIG. 206 shows a spoon blank 981-1 that is flat and is intended to foldto form a spoon. The spoon blank 981-1 is a variant of the blank of FIG.97. The spoon blank 981-1 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

The blank 981-1 includes spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 and handlelocking slits 740S1 and 740S2. The blank 981-1 also includes straightbending lines 724 and 726, long-bending line segments 710L1 and 710L2,as well as longitudinal straight bending lines 730L1 and 730L2.

These bending lines 724 and 726, the line segments 710L1 and 710L2, andthe straight bending lines 730L1 and 730L2 have perforations P. Theperforation P refers to an opening or to a through hole.

The perforated bending line 724 allows easy bending of parts of theblank 981-1 which are attached to or are placed on the bending line 724.These parts are bent when the blank 981-1 is folded to form a spoon.Similarly, the perforated bending line 726, and the perforated bendinglines 730L1 and 730L2 allow easy bending of the respective parts of theblank 981-1 to form the spoon.

The ease of bending is useful, especially when the blank 981-1 is thick,wherein the thickness makes the blank 981-1 stiff and difficult to bend.

Furthermore, the perforation allows for further cost saving. As anexample, bottom-scoring, the perforation, and die-cut can be achieved inone process with one tool. Any top-scoring can be replaced by theperforated lines and by the bottom-scoring. This then enable saving ofproduction cost as the only step is needed to provide the bending lineson the blank for forming spine and apex segment of the blank, which isresistant to tearing.

In short, the perforation of the blank 981-1, the scoring of the blank981-1, and the die-cut to form the spoon blank with bending lines can bedone using the same mould and at the same process step. This means theperforation can be done with minimal or no additional cost. This isuseful for allowing the blank 981-1 to be produced a low cost.

FIG. 207 shows another spoon blank 981-2 that is flat and that isintended to fold to form a spoon. The spoon blank 981-2 is a variant ofthe blank of FIG. 109. The spoon blank 981-2 and the blank of FIG. 109have similar parts.

The spoon blank 981-2 includes spoon rest grooves 735G1′ and 735G2′,which have a narrow width. Furthermore, the blank 981-2 also includes apair of long-bending line segments 710L1 and a pair of long-bending linesegments 710L2. Both long-bending line segments 710L1 and bothlong-bending line segments 710L2 have perforations P.

The perforated long-bending line segments 710L1 and 710L2 allow easybending of respective parts of the spoon blank 981-2 to form a spoon.

FIG. 208 shows a spoon blank 981-3 that is flat and that is intended tofold to form a spoon. The spoon blank 981-3 is a variant of the blank ofFIG. 109. The spoon blank 981-3 and the blank of FIG. 109 have similarparts.

The blank 981-3 includes spoon rest grooves 735G1′ and 735G2′, whichhave a narrow width. The blank 981-3 also includes straight bendinglines 724 and 726, as well as a pair of long-bending line segments 710L1and a pair of long-bending line segments 710L2.

In particular, a segment of the bending line 724 and a segment of thebending line 726 include perforations P. A long segment of the outerlong-bending line segment 710L1 includes perforations P while a longsegment of the outer long-bending line segment 710L2 includesperforations P.

The perforated bending lines 724 and 726 and the perforated long-bendingline segment 710L1 and the perforated long-bending line segment 710L2allows easy bending of the respective parts of the blank 981-3 to form aspoon.

FIG. 209 shows a further spoon blank 981-4 that is flat and that isintended to fold to form a spoon. The spoon blank 981-4 is a variant ofthe blank of FIG. 109. The spoon blank 981-4 and the blank of FIG. 109have similar parts.

The blank 981-4 includes spoon rest grooves 735G1′ and 735G2′, whichhave a narrow width. The blank 981-3 also includes straight bendinglines 724 and 726, as well as a pair of long-bending line segments 710L1and a pair of long-bending line segments 710L2.

In particular, a segment of the bending line 724 and a segment of thebending line 726 include perforations P. A short segment of the outerlong-bending line segment 710L1 includes perforations P while a shortsegment of the outer long-bending line segment 710L2 includesperforations P.

The perforated bending lines 724 and 726 and the perforated long-bendingline segment 710L1 and the perforated long-bending line segment 710L2allows easy bending of the respective parts of the blank 981-3 to form aspoon.

The length of the perforated segment can be adjusted according tomaterial and to the thickness of the blank 981-3.

In summary, the blank has formation, strength and durability because itincludes a few important lines, angles, curvatures and especiallycraniovertebral-vertebrae like structure. These features providefunctions that are triggered in required proportions and are correlatedwith one another to produce the required dynamics in unity.

The blank has a bowl section, a neck section and a handle section, whichare similar to the supportive structure of human beings, namely thevertebral column or the spine of which the significant parts include theatlas and axis combination, and together, they form a ‘craniovertebralvertebrae’ part of the blank.

When the blank is adapted for forming a spoon, the meeting of a bluntedvertex at a base of the spoon with an ‘anterior arch of atlas’ partcreates a semi-convex edge on a ‘craniovertebral vertebra’ part of aneck section of the spoon. In use, this acts to direct and distributeforces and pressure as well as to increase stability for forming a‘spinous process’ (spine) part and an ‘articular pillars’ part of ahandle section of the spoon through to a neck section of spoon.

A mere pinch on sides of a shoulder of the handle section effects orforms a bowl section of the spoon to rise in opposite direction on onesurface, interchangeably to form a scoop section on the other surface.

The significant feature in the blank is the pair of curved portions(‘arch’ on the bowl section) at the end of the pair of bending lines ofthe handle section. The vertex of the upward bending line and the curvedportions of downward bending line form a pair of circular curvatures(‘arch’) on the sides and a semi-convex edge on the neck section of thespoon.

In short, the atlas and axis combination of the blank acts as the‘craniovertebral vertebrae’ that produces a powerful ‘semi-convex edge’with an ‘anterior arch of atlas’ part at the vertex of the upwardbending line at the central of base of the spoon.

The pair of circular curvatures and the ‘semi-convex edge’ on the necksection elevate to form a sturdy structure for the base of bowl section.

The ‘semi-convex edge’ of the pair of circular curvatures ensuresbalanced distribution of forces, strength and pressure on the base ofbowl section as well as the neck section of the spoon. This ‘semi-convexedge’ of the atlas and axis is a critical attribute to the strong baseof spoon and for the neck section and the handle section (akin to ourskull and neck, the atlas and axis being pivotal in holding the skull aswell as enabling flexibility of movement).

Equally significant, the end points (‘transverse process’) of these pairof curved portions (‘arch’) divert the immense pressure impact away froma head-on meeting point on vertex as compared to straight lineendpoints. The diversion endpoints (‘transverse process’) of the curvedportions (arch’) prevent tearing at meeting points on vertex thatstraight-line endpoints cannot withstand.

The curved portions (arch’) at the end of the pair of bending lines arein a pair. Without them, the ‘semi-convex edge’ cannot form, thusresults to a weak spoon.

The blank's continuous directional bending lines with circularcurvatures and ‘semi-convex edge’ are especially significant inpreventing paper spoon from being easily ‘disfigured’ and/or deformed byusers. Without precise directional lines, it is difficult to controlformation of the paper spoon because apart from difficulty in bendingthick stock, paper grains are never truly straight angle (180°) norright angle (90°).

The ‘craniovertebral vertebrae’ part in the blank embodies a ‘spinousprocess’ part of handle section created with a pair of straight bendinglines in the middle of the ‘articular pillars’, formed by two straightbending lines beside and parallel to the ‘spinous process’ straightlines.

Similar to human vertebral column, the blank's strength and durabilityare provided with one ‘spine’, reinforced by two ‘pillars/columns’ withfour straight bending lines from the ‘semi-convex edge’ at the necksection of spoon to the edge of handle section of spoon to enable astrong and sturdy user-friendly handheld tool.

The other significant feature in the blank is the wide vertex whereforces meet upon formation. Regarding the circular or round-corneredtrapezoid vertex, the meeting of opposing force at this blunted‘anterior arch of atlas’ wide vertex distributesenergy/strength/pressure for and from the ‘semi-convex edge’ of the necksection and base of the bowl section.

The meticulously structured ‘anterior arch of atlas’ vertex transformsthe central base of the bowl section together with the ‘semi-convexedge’ at the neck section of spoon into the strongest form to sturdilycontain, carry and/or support volume/weighted content multiple timesbeyond its own weight (akin to human's ability to carry tremendousweight and/or variety of content on our head).

The blank serves as tools that are multiform and multifunction.

Referring to the bowl section of the blank, the bowl section is formedby a kind of anterior arch of atlas with wide blunted vertex, which canbe circular or round-cornered trapezoid. The bowl section has enoughdepth, thereby allowing it to provide multi-functions to act as spoon,scoop, funnel or spreader. The depth also enables the bowl section tohold various contents, as what a spoon can do, including liquid orsemi-liquid foods, and very small or powdery solid items.

Referring to the neck section of the blank, it has no hinge. It canserve as child proof eating utensils enabling spoonful of content to beconsumed with ease. It is structurally sturdy and well supported fromthe handle section to the neck section and to the bowl section. It isuser-friendly.

The neck section structurally prevents backflowing on its spoon side.The blank has circular curvature on its anterior arch of atlas vertexproviding more than 2 distinct uses on each side of the tool. On oneside, it can be a spoon or ladle holding liquids without possibility ofleak/backward flow. On the other side, it can be a scoop or a funnelallowing liquids to flow through.

The neck section provides stability and ease of carrying multitude ofcontent and volume multiple times its own weight. Upon elevation ofparts of the blank, the ‘craniovertebral vertebrae’ part that is createdby the pair of curved portions (‘arch’) equally distribute forces,equalizes burden and pressure thus form a stable neck section and baseof spoon. This is a crucial point in its ability to carry with ease,content variations with volume multiple times heavier than itself.

Referring to the handle section of the blank, it is strong as the forceson the handle section are connected and directed from its‘craniovertebral vertebrae’ part. A pair of downward bending linesforming the ‘spinous process’ part in the middle is further strengthenedby ‘articular pillars’ formed by another pair of downward bending lines.In turn, they create a semi 3-tier slopes on the handle section uponformation.

The 3-tier slopes on top surface of the handle section create aformidable strong tri-spine to the handle section. This strong‘tri-spine’ close-top handle section produces a practical, sturdy spoonthat is comfortable to hold. The 3-tier slopes on spoon handle sectionprovide users the ease of control. The sturdy handle section is furtheravailable in a variety of friction studs or grooves for greater grip tosuit usage.

It should be noted that the term “scoring” can be replaced with the term“creasing” when producing the blank using paper.

The paper can have a weight of about 250 grams per square meter (gsm) toabout 500 gsm.

The above embodiments can also be described with the following lists offeatures or elements being organized into an item list. The respectivecombinations of features, which are disclosed in the item list, areregarded as independent subject matter, respectively, that can also becombined with other features of the application.

-   1. A blank (1 p) for forming a handheld tool, the blank (1 p)    comprising an elongated sheet that comprises    -   a top surface (2) and a bottom surface (3) being provided        opposite the top surface (2),    -   a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being        provided opposite the first longitudinal end,    -   a first side end and a second side end being provided opposite        the first side end, and    -   a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge (6) being        provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge (5) being        provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge (4)        being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge        (4′) being provided at the second side end,    -   the elongated sheet further comprising    -   a bending cum connecting strip (11 p) extending between the side        edges (4, 4′) of the blank (1 p), the bending cum connecting        strip (11 p) comprising a first strip segment (12 p), a second        strip segment (12 p′), and a (partially circular) connecting        strip segment (13 p), the first strip segment (12 p) and the        second strip segments (12 p′) extending at an oblique angle        inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges (4, 4′) of        the blank (1 p), pointing along a longitudinal direction towards        the front edge (5) of the blank (1 p) and the connecting strip        segment (13 p) providing a (blunt) vertex, (the vertex        comprising at least partially rounded shape)    -   the elongated sheet further comprising    -   a first downward bending line (10 p) extending between the rear        edge (4) and the first strip segment (12 p) and    -   a second downward bending line (10 p′) extending between the        rear edge (4) and the second strip segment (12 p′),    -   wherein the bending cum connecting strip (11 p) and the front        edge (5) enclosing a first flat portion (9-1 p) being provided        in a first plane, and    -   the bending cum connecting strip (11 p) and the rear edge (6)        enclosing a second flat portion (9-2 p) being provided in a        second plane, and    -   the second plane is separated from the first plane by a        predetermined distance (d).-   2. A blank (1 q) for forming a handheld tool, the blank (1 q)    comprising an elongated sheet that comprises    -   a top surface (2) and a bottom surface (3) being provided        opposite the top surface (2),    -   a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being        provided opposite the first longitudinal end,    -   a first side end and a second side end being provided opposite        the first side end, and    -   a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge (6) being        provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge (5) being        provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge (4)        being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge        (4′) being provided at the second side end,    -   the elongated sheet further comprising    -   a bending cum connecting strip (11 p) extending between the side        edges (4, 4′) of the blank (1 q), the bending cum connecting        strip (11 p) comprising a first strip segment (12 p), a second        strip segment (12 p′), and a connecting strip segment (13 p),        the first strip segment (12) and the second strip segment (12′)        extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints        at the side edges (4, 4′) of the blank (1 q), pointing along a        longitudinal direction towards the front edge (5) of the blank        (1 g) and providing a (blunt) vertex, (the vertex comprising at        least partially rounded shape)    -   the elongated sheet further comprising    -   a first downward bending line (10 p) extending between the rear        edge (4) and the first strip segment (12 p) and a second        downward bending line (10 p′) extending between the rear edge        (4) and the second strip segment (12 p′),    -   wherein    -   the bending cum connecting strip (11 p) and the front edge (5)        enclosing a first flat portion (9-1 p) being provided in a first        plane, and    -   the bending cum connecting strip (11 p) and the rear edge (6)        enclosing a second flat portion (9-2 p) being provided in a        second plane,    -   wherein    -   the first flat portion (9-1 p) is bent to serve as a container        portion and the second flat portion (9-2 p) is bent to serve as        a handle portion of the handheld tool.-   3. The blank according to item 1 or 2, wherein    -   a middle area (31) extending between the downward bending lines        (10, 10′), the upward bending line (11), and the rear edge (4),        and    -   the downward bending lines (10) are arranged in such a way that        a widening of the middle lane (31) at the connecting segment        (13) is provided.-   4. The blank according to one of the items 1 to 3, wherein the angle    between the first upward bending segment (12) and the second upward    bending segment (12′) is in a range from 20° to 66°, more    specifically from 26° to 35°.-   5. The blank according to one of the items 1 to 4, wherein each of    the downward bending lines (10, 10′) meet the upward bending line    (11) at a respective junction point (16) adjacent to the connecting    segment (13).-   6. The blank according to item 5, wherein at the junction points    (16), the angle between the upward bending line (11) and the    respective downward bending line (10, 10′) is essentially    perpendicular or lies between 60° and 90°, more specifically between    80° and 90°.-   7. The blank according to one of the items 1 to 6, wherein at least    one of the bending lines (10, 11) is provided by a bending groove on    at least one surface of the blank.-   8. The blank according to one of the items 1 to 7, wherein elevated    portions (17) between the rear edge (4) and the endpoints at the    side edges (4,4′) of the blank are provided.-   9. The blank according to one of the items 1 to 8, wherein the blank    has an essentially tapered shape, such that the width of the blank    at the rear edge (6) is smaller than the width of the blank between    the tip of the front edge (5) and the connecting segment (13).-   10. A handheld tool being formed by folding the blank according to    one of the items 1 to 9.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in theforegoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vastnumber of variations exists. It should also be appreciated that theexemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and arenot intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of thedisclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description willprovide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map forimplementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   -   1 blank    -   1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d, 1 e, 1 f, 1 g, 1 h, 1 i, 1 j, 1 ja, 1 jb, 1        k, 1 l, 1 m, 1 n, 1 p    -   blank    -   2 top surface    -   3 bottom surface    -   4, 4′ side edge    -   5 front edge    -   6 rear edge    -   7 handle section    -   8 functional section    -   9 intermediate section    -   9-1 p first sheet portion    -   9-2 p second sheet portion    -   10, 10′ downward bending line    -   10 p bending line    -   10 p′ bending line    -   11 upward bending line    -   11 p bending cum connection strip    -   12, 12′ upward bending segment    -   12 p straight strip segment    -   12 p′ straight strip segment    -   13 connecting segment    -   13 p circular strip segment    -   14, 14′ straight segment of downward bending line    -   14 p 1 straight bending line segment    -   14 p 2 straight bending line segment    -   14 p 1′ straight bending line segment    -   14 p 2′ straight bending line segment    -   14 curved segment of the downward bending pattern    -   15 p curved bending line segment    -   15 p′ curved bending line segment    -   15 junction point    -   16 junction point    -   16′ junction point    -   17 bump    -   18 indentation    -   19 rounded corner of the rear edge    -   20 transversal structure    -   21, 21′ endpoint    -   22 tip    -   30 side wing    -   31 middle lane    -   31 a embedded metal sheet    -   32 bow    -   33 downward movement arrow symbol    -   34 upward movement arrow symbol    -   40 tensile force    -   41 compression force    -   50 reinforcement    -   51 recess    -   60 handle wing    -   61 handle bending line    -   70 hole    -   81 blank    -   83 sheet    -   83T top surface    -   83B bottom surface    -   83S1 first side edge    -   83S2 second side edge    -   83F front edge    -   83R rear edge    -   85 scored line    -   87 bumps    -   102 semi-circular portion    -   102A arc edge    -   102S straight edge    -   104 first rectangular portion    -   104L1 first-long edge    -   104L2 second-long edge    -   104S1 first-short edge    -   104S2 second-short edge    -   106 second rectangular portion    -   106L1 first-long edge    -   106L2 second-long edge    -   106S1 first-short edge    -   106S2 second-short edge    -   108 third rectangular portion    -   108L1 first-long edge    -   108L2 second-long edge    -   108S1 first-short edge    -   108S2 second-short edge    -   110C circular bending line segment    -   110S1 first straight bending line segment    -   110S2 second straight bending line segment    -   112 straight bending line segment    -   114 straight bending line segment    -   116 first straight bending line segment    -   118 second straight bending line segment    -   120 third straight bending line segment    -   122 fourth straight bending line segment    -   124 first straight bending line segment    -   126 second straight bending line segment    -   130 rounded corner    -   132 rounded corner    -   134 rounded corner    -   181 blank    -   183 sheet    -   183T top surface    -   183B bottom surface    -   183S1 first side edge    -   183S2 second side edge    -   183F front edge    -   183R rear edge    -   185 scored line    -   187 bumps    -   202 semi-circular portion    -   202A arc edge    -   202S straight edge    -   204 first rectangular portion    -   204L1 first-long edge    -   204L2 second-long edge    -   204S1 first-short edge    -   204S2 second-short edge    -   206 second rectangular portion    -   206L1 first-long edge    -   206L2 second-long edge    -   206S1 first-short edge    -   206S2 second-short edge    -   208 third rectangular portion    -   208L1 first-long edge    -   208L2 second-long edge    -   208S1 first-short edge    -   208S2 second-short edge    -   210C circular bending line segment    -   210S1 first straight bending line segment    -   210S2 second straight bending line segment    -   216A first straight bending line segment    -   216B first straight bending line segment    -   218A second straight bending line segment    -   218B second straight bending line segment    -   220A third straight bending line segment    -   220B third straight bending line segment    -   222A fourth straight bending line segment    -   222B fourth straight bending line segment    -   224 first straight bending line segment    -   226 second straight bending line segment    -   228 trapezoid indentation    -   230 trapezoid indentation    -   381 blank    -   381-1 thin blank    -   383 sheet    -   383-1 sheet    -   383T top surface    -   383B bottom surface    -   383S1 first side edge    -   383S2 second side edge    -   383F front edge    -   383R rear edge    -   385 scored line    -   387 bumps    -   388A flap part    -   388A-1 flap part    -   388AS straight scored line    -   388AS-1 straight scored line    -   388AC1 first straight cut line    -   388AC1-1 first straight cut line    -   388AC2 second straight cut line    -   388AC2-1 second straight cut line    -   388B flap part    -   388B-1 flap part    -   388BS straight scored line    -   388BS-1 straight scored line    -   388BC1 first straight cut line    -   388BC1-1 first straight cut line    -   388BC2 second straight cut line    -   388BC2-1 second straight cut line    -   402 semi-circular portion    -   402A arc edge    -   402S straight edge    -   404 first rectangular portion    -   404L1 first-long edge    -   404L2 second-long edge    -   404S1 first-short edge    -   404S2 second-short edge    -   406 second rectangular portion    -   406L1 first-long edge    -   406L2 second-long edge    -   406S1 first-short edge    -   406S2 second-short edge    -   408 third rectangular portion    -   408L1 first-long edge    -   408L2 second-long edge    -   408S1 first-short edge    -   408S2 second-short edge    -   410C circular bending line segment    -   410S1 first straight bending line segment    -   410S2 second straight bending line segment    -   412 straight bending line segment    -   414 straight bending line segment    -   415 straight bending line segment    -   416 first straight bending line segment    -   418 second straight bending line segment    -   420 third straight bending line segment    -   421 fourth straight bending line segment    -   422 fifth straight bending line segment    -   423 sixth straight bending line segment    -   424 first straight bending line segment    -   426 second straight bending line segment    -   481 thin blank    -   481′ thick blank    -   483 elongated sheet    -   483B bottom surface    -   483F front edge    -   483R rear edge    -   483S1 first side edge    -   483S2 second side edge    -   483T top surface    -   485 scored line    -   487 bump    -   488A flap part    -   488AU U-shaped cut line    -   488B flap part    -   488AU U-shaped cut line    -   502 semi-circular portion    -   502A arc edge    -   502S straight edge    -   504 first rectangular portion    -   504L1 first-long edge    -   504L2 second-long edge    -   504S1 first-short edge    -   504S2 second-short edge    -   506 second rectangular portion    -   506L1 first-long edge    -   506L2 second-long edge    -   506S1 first-short edge    -   506S2 second-short edge    -   510C circular bending line segment    -   510C′ circular bending line segment    -   510S1 first straight bending line segment    -   510S1′ first straight bending line segment    -   510S2 second straight bending line segment    -   510S2′ second straight bending line segment    -   512 straight bending line segment    -   516 first straight bending line segment    -   516A first straight bending line segment    -   516B first straight bending line segment    -   518 second straight bending line segment    -   518A second straight bending line segment    -   518B second straight bending line segment    -   524 first straight bending line segment    -   526 second straight bending line segment    -   530 rounded corner    -   532 rounded corner    -   534 rounded corner    -   540 straight bending line segment    -   542 straight bending line segment    -   550′ trapezoid opening    -   681 thin blank    -   681F blank    -   681-1 blank    -   681-1F blank    -   681-2 blank    -   681-2F blank    -   681-3 blank    -   681-3A blank    -   681-3B blank    -   681-3F blank    -   681-3BF blank    -   681-4 blank    -   681-4A blank    -   681-4AF blank    -   681-4B blank    -   681-4BF blank    -   681-4C blank    -   681-4CF blank    -   681-4D blank    -   681-4DF blank    -   681-4E blank    -   681-4EF blank    -   681-4F blank    -   681-4FF blank    -   681-4G blank    -   681-4H blank    -   681-4HF blank    -   681-4D blank    -   681-4I blank    -   681-4IF blank    -   681-4J blank    -   681-4JF blank    -   681-4K blank    -   681-4KF blank    -   681-4L blank    -   681-4LF blank    -   681-5 blank    -   681-5A blank    -   681-5F blank    -   681-6 blank    -   681-6F blank    -   681-7 blank    -   681-7F blank    -   681-8 blank    -   681-8F blank    -   683 elongated sheet    -   683S1 first side edge    -   683S2 second side edge    -   683F front edge    -   683R rear edge    -   685 scored line    -   702 bowl portion    -   702A straight edge    -   702B straight edge    -   702C straight edge    -   702D straight edge    -   704 first handle portion    -   704A straight edge    -   704B straight edge    -   704C straight edge    -   704D straight edge    -   706 second handle portion    -   706A straight edge    -   706B straight edge    -   706C straight edge    -   706B straight edge    -   710S short-bending line segment    -   710L1 first long-bending line segment    -   710L2 second long-bending line segment    -   724 first straight bending line segment    -   726 second straight bending line segment    -   730L1 first longitudinal straight bending line    -   730L2 second longitudinal straight bending line    -   735G1 fork/spoon rest groove    -   735G1′ fork/spoon rest groove    -   735G2 fork/spoon rest groove    -   735G2′ fork/spoon rest groove    -   740S1 handle locking slit    -   740S2 handle locking slit    -   750B bowl portion    -   750H handle portion    -   750N neck portion    -   750P prong portion    -   760 opening    -   763 slot    -   766 prong    -   770 paper box    -   774 sidewall    -   780 paper box    -   783 flap    -   786 flap    -   790 paper box    -   792 cover    -   795 paper box    -   797 front surface    -   881-1 finger spoon blank    -   881-1A finger spoon blank    -   881-1F finger spoon blank    -   881-2 finger spoon blank    -   881-2F finger fork blank    -   881-3 finger spoon blank    -   881-3F finger fork blank    -   881-4 finger spoon blank    -   881-4F finger fork blank    -   881-5 finger spoon blank    -   881-5F finger fork blank    -   981-1 spoon blank    -   981-2 spoon blank    -   981-3 spoon blank    -   981-4 spoon blank    -   900 container    -   902 cover    -   905 container    -   907 cover    -   910 container    -   912 cover    -   915 container    -   917 cover    -   920 container    -   922 cover    -   A axis    -   A1 arrow    -   A1-1 arrow    -   A1-2 arrow    -   A1-3 arrow    -   A2 arrow    -   A2-1 arrow    -   A2-2 arrow    -   A2-3 arrow    -   A3 arrow    -   A3-1 arrow    -   A3-2 arrow    -   A3-3 arrow    -   A4 arrow    -   A4-1 arrow    -   A4-2 arrow    -   A4-3 arrow    -   A5-2 arrow    -   d distance    -   P perforation

1. A blank for folding to form a spoon, the blank comprising anelongated sheet that comprises a top surface and a bottom surface beingprovided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end and a secondlongitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinal end, afirst side end and a second side end being provided opposite the firstside end, and a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge beingprovided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge being provided atthe second longitudinal end, a first side edge being provided at thefirst side end, and a second side edge being provided at the second sideend, the elongated sheet further comprising a bending cum connectingstrip extending between the side edges of the blank, the bending cumconnecting strip comprising a first strip segment, a second stripsegment, the first strip segment and the second strip segment extendingat an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edgesof the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the frontedge of the blank and a connecting strip segment, the connecting stripsegment providing a blunt vertex, the elongated sheet further comprisinga first bending line extending between the rear edge and the first stripsegment and a second bending line extending between the rear edge andthe second strip segment, wherein the bending cum connecting strip andthe front edge enclosing a first flat portion, and the bending cumconnecting strip and the rear edge enclosing a second flat portion,wherein the first flat portion is provided for bending to form acontainer portion of the spoon and the second flat portion is providedfor bending to form a handle portion of the spoon, wherein the elongatedsheet further comprising a pair of spoon rest grooves being provided onthe first side edge and the second side edge, and at least one pair ofhandle locking slits being provided on the first side edge and thesecond side edge.
 2. A blank for folding to form a spoon, the blankcomprising an elongated sheet that comprises a top surface and a bottomsurface being provided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinalend and a second longitudinal end being provided opposite the firstlongitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end being providedopposite the first side end, and a circumferential edge that comprises arear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edgebeing provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge beingprovided at the first side end, and a second side edge being provided atthe second side end, the elongated sheet further comprising a bendingcum connecting strip extending between the side edges of the blank, thebending cum connecting strip comprising a first strip segment, a secondstrip segment, the first strip segment and the second strip segmentextending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at theside edges of the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towardsthe front edge of the blank and a connecting strip segment, theconnecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, the elongated sheetfurther comprising a first bending line extending between the rear edgeand the first strip segment and a second bending line extending betweenthe rear edge and the second strip segment, wherein the bending cumconnecting strip and the front edge enclosing a first flat portion, andthe bending cum connecting strip and the rear edge enclosing a secondflat portion, wherein the first flat portion is provided for bending toform a container portion of the spoon and the second flat portion isprovided for bending to form a handle portion of the spoon, wherein theelongated sheet further comprising a rounded neck portion providedbetween the container portion and the handle portion, at least one pairof handle locking slits being provided on the first side edge and thesecond side edge.
 3. A blank for forming a spoon, the blank comprisingan elongated sheet that comprises a top surface and a bottom surfacebeing provided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end and asecond longitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinalend, a first side end and a second side end being provided opposite thefirst side end, and a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edgebeing provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge beingprovided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge beingprovided at the first side end, and a second side edge being provided atthe second side end, the elongated sheet further comprising a bendingcum connecting strip extending between the side edges of the blank, thebending cum connecting strip comprising a first strip segment, a secondstrip segment, the first strip segment and the second strip segmentextending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at theside edges of the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towardsthe front edge of the blank and a connecting strip segment, theconnecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, the elongated sheetfurther comprising a first bending line extending between the rear edgeand the first strip segment and a second bending line extending betweenthe rear edge and the second strip segment, wherein the bending cumconnecting strip and the front edge enclosing a first flat portion, andthe bending cum connecting strip and the rear edge enclosing a secondflat portion, wherein the first flat portion is provided for bending toform a container portion of the spoon and the second flat portion isprovided for bending to form a handle portion of the spoon, wherein thehandle portion is adapted to receive a user finger, wherein theelongated sheet further comprising at least one pair of handle lockingslits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge. 4.The blank according to claim 3, wherein the elongated sheet furthercomprising a pair of spoon rest grooves being provided on the first sideedge and the second side edge.
 5. A blank for folding to form a spoon,the blank comprising an elongated sheet that comprises a top surface anda bottom surface being provided opposite the top surface, a firstlongitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided oppositethe first longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end beingprovided opposite the first side end, and a circumferential edge thatcomprises a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, afront edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first sideedge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge beingprovided at the second side end, the elongated sheet further comprisinga bending cum connecting strip extending between the side edges of theblank, the bending cum connecting strip comprising a first stripsegment, a second strip segment, the first strip segment and the secondstrip segment extending at an oblique angle inwards from respectiveendpoints at the side edges of the blank, pointing along a longitudinaldirection towards the front edge of the blank and a connecting stripsegment, the connecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, theelongated sheet further comprising a first bending line extendingbetween the rear edge and the first strip segment and a second bendingline extending between the rear edge and the second strip segment,wherein the bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclosing afirst flat portion, and the bending cum connecting strip and the rearedge enclosing a second flat portion, wherein the first flat portion isprovided for bending to form a container portion of the spoon and thesecond flat portion is provided for bending to form a handle portion ofthe spoon, wherein the first bending line and the second bending linecomprise a plurality of perforations.
 6. The blank according to claim 5,wherein the first strip segment and the second strip segment comprise aplurality of perforations.
 7. The blank according to claim 5 or 6,wherein the elongated sheet further comprising a pair of spoon restgrooves being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge,and at least one pair of handle locking slits being provided on thefirst side edge and the second side edge.
 8. A blank for folding to forma fork, the blank comprising an elongated sheet that comprises a topsurface and a bottom surface being provided opposite the top surface, afirst longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being providedopposite the first longitudinal end, a first side end and a second sideend being provided opposite the first side end, and a circumferentialedge that comprises a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinalend, a front edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a firstside edge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edgebeing provided at the second side end, the elongated sheet furthercomprising a bending cum connecting strip extending between the sideedges of the blank, the bending cum connecting strip comprising a firststrip segment, a second strip segment, the first strip segment and thesecond strip segment extending at an oblique angle inwards fromrespective endpoints at the side edges of the blank, pointing along alongitudinal direction towards the front edge of the blank and aconnecting strip segment, the connecting strip segment providing a bluntvertex, the elongated sheet further comprising a first bending lineextending between the rear edge and the first strip segment and a secondbending line extending between the rear edge and the second stripsegment, wherein the bending cum connecting strip and the front edgeenclosing a first flat portion, and the bending cum connecting strip andthe rear edge enclosing a second flat portion, wherein the first flatportion is provided for bending to form a prong portion of the fork andthe second flat portion is provided for bending to form a handle portionof the fork, wherein the front edge comprises at least one slot fordefining prongs of the fork, wherein the elongated sheet furthercomprising a pair of fork rest grooves being provided on the first sideedge and the second side edge, and at least one pair of handle lockingslits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge. 9.A blank for folding to form a fork, the blank comprising an elongatedsheet that comprises a top surface and a bottom surface being providedopposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end and a secondlongitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinal end, afirst side end and a second side end being provided opposite the firstside end, and a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge beingprovided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge being provided atthe second longitudinal end, a first side edge being provided at thefirst side end, and a second side edge being provided at the second sideend, the elongated sheet further comprising a bending cum connectingstrip extending between the side edges of the blank, the bending cumconnecting strip comprising a first strip segment, a second stripsegment, the first strip segment and the second strip segment extendingat an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edgesof the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the frontedge of the blank and a connecting strip segment, the connecting stripsegment providing a blunt vertex, the elongated sheet further comprisinga first bending line extending between the rear edge and the first stripsegment and a second bending line extending between the rear edge andthe second strip segment, wherein the bending cum connecting strip andthe front edge enclosing a first flat portion, and the bending cumconnecting strip and the rear edge enclosing a second flat portion,wherein the first flat portion is provided for bending to form a prongportion of the fork and the second flat portion is provided for bendingto form a handle portion of the fork, wherein the front edge comprisesat least one slot for defining prongs of the fork, wherein the elongatedsheet further comprising a rounded neck portion provided between thecontainer portion and the handle portion, at least one pair of handlelocking slits being provided on the first side edge and the second sideedge.
 10. A blank for folding to form a fork, the blank comprising anelongated sheet that comprises a top surface and a bottom surface beingprovided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end and a secondlongitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinal end, afirst side end and a second side end being provided opposite the firstside end, and a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge beingprovided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge being provided atthe second longitudinal end, a first side edge being provided at thefirst side end, and a second side edge being provided at the second sideend, the elongated sheet further comprising a bending cum connectingstrip extending between the side edges of the blank, the bending cumconnecting strip comprising a first strip segment, a second stripsegment, the first strip segment and the second strip segment extendingat an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edgesof the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the frontedge of the blank and a connecting strip segment, the connecting stripsegment providing a blunt vertex, the elongated sheet further comprisinga first bending line extending between the rear edge and the first stripsegment and a second bending line extending between the rear edge andthe second strip segment, wherein the bending cum connecting strip andthe front edge enclosing a first flat portion, and the bending cumconnecting strip and the rear edge enclosing a second flat portion,wherein the first flat portion is provided for bending to form acontainer portion of the fork and the second flat portion is providedfor bending to form a handle portion of the fork, wherein the front edgecomprises at least one slot for defining prongs of the fork, wherein thehandle portion is adapted to receive a user finger, wherein theelongated sheet further comprising at least one pair of handle lockingslits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.11. The blank according to claim 10, wherein the elongated sheet furthercomprising a pair of fork rest grooves being provided on the first sideedge and the second side edge.
 12. A blank for folding to form a fork,the blank comprising an elongated sheet that comprises a top surface anda bottom surface being provided opposite the top surface, a firstlongitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided oppositethe first longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end beingprovided opposite the first side end, and a circumferential edge thatcomprises a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, afront edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first sideedge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge beingprovided at the second side end, the elongated sheet further comprisinga bending cum connecting strip extending between the side edges of theblank, the bending cum connecting strip comprising a first stripsegment, a second strip segment, the first strip segment and the secondstrip segment extending at an oblique angle inwards from respectiveendpoints at the side edges of the blank, pointing along a longitudinaldirection towards the front edge of the blank and a connecting stripsegment, the connecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, theelongated sheet further comprising a first bending line extendingbetween the rear edge and the first strip segment and a second bendingline extending between the rear edge and the second strip segment,wherein the bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclosing afirst flat portion, and the bending cum connecting strip and the rearedge enclosing a second flat portion, wherein the first flat portion isprovided for bending to form a prong portion of the fork and the secondflat portion is provided for bending to form a handle portion of thefork, wherein the front edge comprises at least one slot for definingprongs of the fork, wherein the first bending line and the secondbending line comprise a plurality of perforations.
 13. The blankaccording to claim 12, wherein the first strip segment and the secondstrip segment comprise a plurality of perforations.
 14. The blankaccording to claim 12 or 13, wherein the elongated sheet furthercomprising a pair of fork rest grooves being provided on the first sideedge and the second side edge, and at least one pair of handle lockingslits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.15. The blank according to one the above-mentioned claims, wherein atleast one of the bending lines is provided by a bending groove on atleast one surface of the blank.
 16. The blank according to one theabove-mentioned claims, wherein the bending cum connecting strip isprovided by a bending groove on at least one surface of the blank. 17.The blank according to one the above-mentioned claims, wherein the firstbending line and the second bending line are provided on the same sideof the blank.
 18. A container comprising a cover, the cover comprises atleast one part, the part being is provided as a blank of one ofabove-mentioned claims.
 19. A box comprising a surface, at least onepart of the surface being provided as a blank of one of claims 1 to 17.